‘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.

CHAPTER 50

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.’