"Well," Jubal temporized, "he did say something about it.  I thought he intended to leave after lunch today.  No matter, it'll keep." Jubal realized suddenly that a great load had been lifted from his mind.  Not that Duke meant anything to him, other than as an efficient handyman - no, of course not!  For many years he had avoided letting any human being be important to him - but, just the same, he had to admit that it would have troubled him.  A little, anyhow.