The time may come when the inner circle may be opened to you." The Duke coughed.
"You misapprehend me," he said.

"I can assure you I am not anxious for promotion.

On the contrary, I stand before you an aggrieved person.

I have come to the conclusion that my house, and the shelter of my wife's name, have been used for a plot, the main points of which have been kept wholly secret from me." The Prince flicked his cigarette ash into the grate.
"My dear Dorset," he said gently, "if you will allow me to explain--" "I thank you, Saxe Leinitzer," the Duke said coldly, "but it is beginning to occur to me that I have had enough of your explanations.
It seemed natural enough to me, and I must say well conceived, that some attempt should be made to modify the views of, if not wholly convert, Reginald Brott by means of the influence of a very charming woman.

It was my duty as a member of the Order to assist in this, and the shelter of my house and name were freely accorded to the Countess.