"You call me that, even though you know that I am not what I seem?"
"I remember that you saved my life," said Dumarest. "That you gave me something-" He broke off, knowing better than to arouse painful memories. Mada Grist had acted as she did because of the promptings of her young and virile body. The desire of her flesh overriding the wisdom of her mind.
"Earl," she said. "Earl!" Her hand rose as if to touch his cheek. "Keron found me while I was trying to book passage. He arrested me then released me when the girl persuaded him to act. I was instrumental in proving that you had not lied."
"And now?"
"I will work," she said. "What else? But- you know, Earl. Perhaps you can understand. Do you forgive me?"
"Yes, my lady."
"And shall I ever see you again?"
It was kinder not to lie. "No, my lady. Never again."
He turned and headed to where the ship was waiting. It would carry him to Jalanth where there would be other ships heading for other worlds.
And, soon now, he would find Earth.