‘I’ve got to say that I’m here,’
said Tifto, still crying, ’and if I’d
done anything of that kind, of course I’d have
gone with the rest of ’em. I put it to
Lord Silverbridge to say whether I’m that sort
of fellow.’ Then he sat down.
Upon this there was a pause, and the club was manifestly
of the opinion that Lord Silverbridge ought to say
something. ’I think that Major Tifto should
not have betted against the horse,’ said Silverbridge.
‘I can explain that,’ said the Major.
’Let me explain that. Everybody knows that
I’m a man of small means. I wanted to ’edge,
I only wanted to ‘edge.’
Mr Lupton shook his head. ‘Why have you
not shown me your book?’
’I told you before that it was stolen.
Green got hold of it. I did win a little.
I never said I didn’t. But what has that
to do with hammering a nail into a horse’s foot?
I have always been true to you Lord Silverbridge,
and you ought to stick up for me now.’
‘I will have nothing further to do with the
matter,’ said Silverbridge, ‘one way or
the other,’ and he walked out of the room,—and
out of the club. The affair was ended by a magnanimous
declaration on the part of the Major that he would
not remain in a club in which he was suspected, and
by a consent on the part of the meeting to receive
the Major’s instant resignation.
The Duke’s Arguments
The Duke before he left Custins had an interview with
Lady Cantrip, at which that lady found herself called
upon to speak her mind freely. ‘I don’t
think she cares about Lord Popplecourt,’ Lady
Cantrip said.
‘I am sure I don’t know why she should,’
said the Duke, who was often very aggravating even
to his friend.
‘But as we had thought—’
‘She ought to do as she is told,’ said
the Duke, remembering how obedient Glencora had been.
‘Has he spoken to her?’
‘I think not.’
‘Then how can we tell?’
’I asked her to see him, but she expressed so
much dislike that I could not press it. I am
afraid, Duke, that you will find it difficult to deal
with her.’
‘I have found it very difficult!’
‘As you have trusted me so much—’
’Yes;—I have trusted you, and do
trust you. I hope you understand that I appreciate
your kindness.’
‘Perhaps then you will let me say what I think.’
‘Certainly, Lady Cantrip.’
‘Mary is a very peculiar girl,—with
great gifts,—but—’
‘But what?’
’She is obstinate. Perhaps it would be
fairer to say that she has great firmness of character.
It is within your power to separate her from Mr Tregear.
It would be foreign to her character to—to—
leave you, except with your approbation.’
‘You mean, she will not run away.’
’She will do nothing without your permission.
But she will remain unmarried unless she be allowed
to marry Mr Tregear.’
