Wilton recapitulated all that could be said to palliate the error which Laura’s father had committed, and Lord Sherbrooke answered eagerly, “That is enough, surely that is enough.  At least,” he added, “it ought to be enough, and would be enough, if there were no under-influence going on.  At all events, Wilton, I would go decidedly to his grace of Shrewsbury, or to Vernon, for I believe the Duke is absent.  Represent all these facts, and induce him to lay them before the King.  This is the best and most straightforward course, and you will speedily learn more upon the subject.  But there is another thing which I have to tell you—­though I put no great reliance upon the result being as effectual as we could wish—­I was speaking a few nights ago with our friend the Colonel, upon the situation of the Duke, and upon your anxiety regarding him, all of which I have heard from my good rascally valet, who—­considering that he is one of the greatest scoundrels that ever was unhung—­is a very honest fellow in his way, and finds out everything for me, Heaven knows how, and lets me know it truly.  The Colonel seemed to laugh at the idea of anything being done to the Duke, saying, ’No, no; he is safe enough.’  But after a while he added, ’If Wilton have any difficulty about the business, he had better speak to me:’  and then he fell into one of his long sullen fits of thought; after which he said, ’Tell him to ride out hitherward on Saturday night next, just as it is turning dark—­I should like to speak with him about it.’”

“I will not fail,” replied Wilton; “for there is something about that man that interests, nay, attaches me, in spite of all I know and all I guess concerning his desperate habits.  It is evident that he has had a high education, and possesses a noble heart; in fact, that he was fitted for better things than the criminal and disgraceful course he has pursued.”

“Hush, hush!” cried Lord Sherbrooke, laughing; “speak more respectfully of the worthy Colonel, I beg.  You are not aware that he is a near relation of mine.”

Wilton started, and turned round as if he would have gazed in his companion’s face, but the darkness of the night prevented him from well seeing what was passing there.  As he recalled, however, his first interview with Green, his look, his manner, and the jesting tone in which he sometimes spoke, he could not but acknowledge that there was something in the whole resembling Lord Sherbrooke not a little, although Green was a much taller and more powerful man.

“This is strange enough, Sherbrooke,” he replied, “if you are not joking; and, indeed, I think you are not, for there is a certain likeness between you and him, though more in the manner than in the person.”

“It is quite true,” replied Lord Sherbrooke; “he is a near relation.  But, however, in regard to the Duke, I see not how he can help you, though he certainly does very wonderful things sometimes, which nobody expects or can account for.  I would hear all he has to say, then; but at the same time, Wilton, I would not neglect the other business with Vernon, for, you see, the Colonel names Saturday.  This is Monday, and before that time the Duke’s head may be upon a pole, for aught we know.  They make short work with trials and executions in these days.”