"This letter... I am only speaking for your own good... this letter must be destroyed at once," said Villefaramir in a quavering voice.
He seized the letter forthwith and threw it into the fireplace, where it crackled merrily and burnt like the apéritifs of the balrogues.
"Oh, you are goodness itself!" cried Gamgès.
"Now m... your secret is safe," said the steuard. "Tomorrow you will be freed. But should anyone question you on this letter, deny all knowledge."
"Why not release me at once?" asked Gamgès. "Rosédès awaits."
"There are certain formalities that must be observed before you can be delivered from prison," replied M. de Villefaramir. "But short now, doubt not, will be your abiding there."
"Good monsieur, kind monsieur, wise monsieur!" cried Gamgès. "You are too gracious to me!"
Villefaramir sighed, but made no answer.
