This man, and I am afraid some of his companions, heard every word that was spoken, and as soon as you left the Duke the man scampered off to tell the story.

I made him promise not to say a word, but he is a married man and is sure to tell it to his wife.

Then there are his companions; dear me! it is most annoying." "Then all is lost, and I am ruined," murmured she.
But her despair did not last long, for she was by no means the woman to throw down her arms and sue for mercy.

She grasped the arm of the Counsellor.
"The end has not come yet, surely?
Speak! What is to be done?
You must have some plan.

I am ready for anything, now that I have nothing to lose.