I am determined to place my position clearly before all of you who are present here now.

It is only since I have joined this Society that I have been made aware that in addition to the general members, of which body I believe that the Duchess and I are the sole representatives here, there are special members, and members of the inner circle.

And I understand that in connection with these there is a great machinery of intrigue going on all the time, with branches all over the world, spies everywhere with unlimited funds, and with huge opportunities of good or evil.

In effect I have become an outside member of what is nothing more nor less than a very powerful and, it seems to me, daring secret society." "So far as you are concerned, Duke," the Prince said, "your responsibility ceases with ordinary membership.

You can take no count of anything beyond.