I can perhaps explain myself better by asking you still another sort of question.

Are you in a position to accept a post of some importance ?" I looked at him in surprise, as well I might.
"Sit down, Mr.Ducaine," he repeated.

"I have said enough, I hope, to prove that I am not trifling with you." "You have managed, at any rate, to surprise me very much, your Grace," I said.

"I am eager to receive employment of any sort.

May I ask what it was that you had in view ?" He shook his head slowly.
"I cannot tell you to-day," he said.