"It is more a personal matter.

It is of something which has happened to myself." Duncombe sighed.
"Go on!" he said.
"For twenty-two and a half years," Spencer said, "I have lived in Paris as the correspondent to various English journals.

I have made many friends, and it has been considered amongst all my fellow journalists that I had the ear of more influential people in politics and society here than any other writer.

To-day I have resigned my position!" Duncombe managed to summon up enough interest to be surprised.
"I had no idea," he said, "that you were contemplating anything of the sort." "I was not!" Spencer answered grimly.

"I am as much surprised myself as all my friends will be." Duncombe was puzzled.
"I am afraid I don't quite understand," he said.