I strode out of the kitchen and made my way up the stairs.

I had to pass the Duke's apartment.

The light still burned there, and he and Carford were sitting at the table.

I put my head in.
"If your Grace has no need of me, I'll seek my bed," said I, mustering a yawn.
"No need at all," he answered.

"Good-night to you, Simon." But then he added, "You'll keep your promise to me ?" "Your Grace may depend on me." "Though in truth I may tell you that the whole affair is nothing; it's no more than a matter of gallantry, eh, Carford ?" "No more," said my Lord Carford.
"But such matters are best not talked of." I bowed as he dismissed me, and pursued my way to my room.