"I am afraid," he said slowly, "that I do not quite perceive their
concern in this matter."

"But is it not clear?" cried Dom Miguel.

"If it were I should perceive it," said his lordship dryly.

"Ah, but let me explain, then. A further investigation of the
manner in which Count Samoval met his death can hardly fail to
bring to light the deplorable practices in which he was engaged;
for no doubt Colonel Grant, here, would consider it his duty in
the interests of justice to place before the court the documents
found upon the Count's dead body. If I may permit myself an
observation," he continued, looking round at Colonel Grant, "it
is that I do not quite understand how this has not already
happened."

There was a pause in which Grant looked at Wellington as if for
direction. But his lordship himself assumed the burden of the
answer.

"It was not considered expedient in the public interest to do so
at present," he said. "And the circumstances did not place us
under the necessity of divulging the matter."

"There, my lord, if you will allow me to say so, you acted with
a delicacy and wisdom which the circumstances may not again permit.
Indeed any further investigation must almost inevitably bring these
matters to light, and the effect of such revelation would be
deplorable."