too. You owe a duty to her, and if you keep silent it may be
best for all. You can depend upon us to stand by you in this."

"Indeed, indeed," said Sylvia.

He looked at them and smiled very tenderly.

"Never was a man blessed with nobler friends who deserved so
little of them," he said slowly. "You heap coals of fire upon
my head. You shame me through and through. But have you
considered, Ned, that all may not depend upon my silence? What
if the provost-marshal, investigating now, were to come upon the
real facts?"

"It is impossible that sufficient should be discovered to convict
you."

"How can you be sure of that? And if it were possible, if it
came to pass, what then would be my position? You see, Ned! I
must accept the punishment I have incurred lest a worse overtake
me - to put it at its lowest. I must voluntarily go forward and
denounce myself before another denounces me. It is the only way
to save some rag of honour."

There was a tap at the door, and Mullins came to announce that
Lord Wellington was asking to see Sir Terence.

"He is waiting in the study, Sir Terence."

"Tell his lordship I will be with him at once."