I have always wished--to serve her--to put my hands under her feet." The sudden radiance in Michael's face passed.

He looked down embarrassed, annoyed with himself.
"There remains then but one other person to be considered," said the duke, looking closely at him.

"The beautiful heroine, the young lover, these are now accommodated.

All is _en regle_.

But that dull elderly person who takes the _role_ of husband on these occasions! Is there not a husband somewhere?
What of him?
Will he indeed fold his arms as on the stage?
Will he indeed stand by as serenely as you suppose and suffer an innocent man to make this sacrifice for the sake of his--honour ?" "He will, only because he must," said Michael, catching his breath.