"'So much for the new Flashman, eh?' says I. 'Wish you hadn't invited me to play with your pure-minded little friends? Well, it's too late, young Tom; you've shaken hands on it, haven't you?'
He pulled himself together and took a breath. 'You may play if you wish,' says he. 'More fool I for asking you—but if you were the man I had hoped you were, you would—'
'Cry off gracefully—and save you from the pollution of my company? No, no, my boy—I'll be there, and just as fit as you are. But I'll wager I enjoy my training more.'
'Flashman,' cries he, as I turned away, 'don't go to—to that place, I beseech you. It ain't worthy—'
'How would you know?' says I. 'See you at Lord's.' And...