“I was not referring to that occasion,” was the dry answer. “I had not seen your act in that light. I meant well over the episode.”

“You could not damn yourself more effectually than by saying that,” said his Grace calmly. “But we wander from the point. When have I done you an act of kindness?”

“You know very well. When you extricated me from that cursed sponging-house.”

“I remember now. Yes, that was good of me. I wonder why I did it?”

“ ’Tis what I want to know.”

“I suppose I must have had some sort of an affection for you. I would certainly never have done such a thing for anyone else.”

“Not even for your own brother!” said Frank sharply.