“It is a pity that it did not continue,” said the Duke, dryly; but Wilton took no notice, and went on.

“At that time, however,” he said, “I learned, through the Earl of Byerdale, that I had been in error in regard to my own situation—­though the distance between your grace and myself might still be great, it was diminished; and you may easily imagine that such joyful tidings naturally carried hope and expectation to a higher pitch than perhaps was reasonable.”

“To a very unreasonable pitch, it would seem, indeed, sir,” answered the Duke.

“It may be so, my lord,” replied Wilton, “but the punishment upon myself is very severe.  However, not even then—­although I had the fairest prospects from the interest and promises of the Earl of Byerdale, and from the whole interest of the Earl of Sunbury, who has ever treated me as a son—­although I might believe that a bright political career was open before me, and that I might perhaps raise myself to the highest stations in the state—­not even then did I presume to think of Lady Laura with anything like immediate hopes.  Just at this same period, however, the daring attempt to mix your grace with the plans of the conspirators by carrying off your daughter took place, and you were pleased to intrust to me the delicate and somewhat dangerous task of discovering the place to which she had been carried, and setting her free from the hands of the bold and in famous men who had obtained possession of her person.  Now, my lord—­feeling every inclination to love her, I may indeed say loving her before—­you can easily feel how much such an attachment must have been increased; how much every feeling of tenderness and affection must have been augmented by the interest, the powerful interest of that pursuit; how everything must have combined to confirm my love for her for ever, while all my thoughts were bent upon saving her and restoring her to your arms; while the whole feelings of my heart and energies of my mind were busy with her, and her fate alone.  Then, my lord, when I came to defend her, at the hazard of my life; when I came to contend for her with those who withheld her from you; when we had to pass together several hours of danger and apprehension, with her clinging to my arm, and with my arm only for her support and protection, and when, at length, all my efforts proved successful, and she was set free, was it wonderful, was it at all extraordinary, that I loved her, or that she felt some slight interest and regard for me?  Since then, my lord, reflect on all that has taken place; how constantly we have been together; how she has been accustomed to treat me as the most intimate and dearest of her friends; how you your self have said you looked upon me as your son—­”