It is inevitable that I should become an object of suspicion to them." The Duke looked thoughtfully for several moments at the table before him.

Then he looked up at me.
"Ducaine," he said, "I will tell you what I propose.

You have done your duty in reporting this thing to me.

Your duty ends there--mine begins.
The responsibility, therefore, for our future course of action remains with me.

You, I presume, are prepared to admit this." "Certainly, your Grace," I answered.
"I see no useful purpose to be gained," the Duke continued, "in spreading this thing about.