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‘As I re Your brother, you said?’ He glanced now at the swarthy, coarse-featured young man

‘Yes, noble sir, my brother I have cared for hiratitude He is a curse, noble sir, a curse!’

The Duke seemed to reflect

‘How old is he, fellow?’

‘He is nineteen, milor’’

The Duke surveyed the boy

‘Nineteen Is he not a little se?’

‘Why, milor’, if – if he is it is no fault of mine! I – I have fed him well I pray you, do not heed what he says! He is a viper, a wild-cat, a veritable curse!’

‘I will relieve you of the curse,’ said his Grace calmly

The

‘Milor’ – ?’

‘I suppose he is for sale?’

A cold hand stole into the Duke’s, and clutched it

‘Sale, milor’? You – ?’

‘I believe I will buy hie What is his worth? A louis? Or are curses worthless? An interesting problem’

The

‘He is a good boy, noble sir He can work Indeed, he is worth much to me And I have an affection for him I –’

‘I will give a guinea for your curse’

‘Ah, but no, milor’! He is worth more! Much, much more!’