With you her honour was safe.

You and I are combining now to guard only her reputation before the world." Michael did not answer.

He nodded again.
"At the price," continued the duke, "probably of your best years." "I am content to pay the price," said Michael.

"It was the only thing to do." Then he coloured like a girl, and raised his eyes to the duke's.

"I went to her that night to say good-bye," he said.