As it was, however, I expect my face betrayed my joy.

"Your Grace is exceedingly kind," I told him.

"The money will be invaluable to me just now." The Duke inclined his head.
"I am only sorry," he said, "that Hulshaw should have exacted it.

It shows how impossible it is to leave the conduct of one's affairs wholly in the hands of another person.

Now there is a further matter, Mr.
Ducaine, concerning which I desired to speak to you.