‘We have a horse or two in common; that’s all.’

’But that is a great deal.  The truth is he’s a nasty, brawling, boasting, ill-conditioned little reptile.’

Silverbridge of course did not acknowledge that this was true.  But he felt it, and almost repented of his trust in Tifto.  But still Prime Minister stood very well for the Derby.  He was second favourite, the odds against him being only four to one.  The glory of being part owner of a probable winner of the Derby was so much to him that he could not bring himself to be altogether angry with Tifto.  There was no doubt that the horse’s present condition was due entirely to Tifto’s care.  Tifto spent in these few days just before the race the greatest part of his time in the close vicinity of the horse, only running up to London now and then, as a fish comes up to the surface, for a breath of air.  It is impossible that Lord Silverbridge should separate himself from the Major,—­at any rate till after the Epsom meeting.

He had paid the money for the match without a word of reproach to his partner, but still with a feeling that things were not quite as they ought to be.  In money matters his father had been liberal, but not very definite.  He had been told that he ought not to spend above two thousand pounds a year, and had been reminded that there was a house for him to use both in town and in the country.  But he had been given to understand also that any application made to Mr Morton, if not very unreasonable, would be attended with success.  A solemn promise had been exacted from him that he would have no dealings with money-lenders;—­and then he had been set afloat.  There had been a rather frequent correspondence with Mr Morton, who had once or twice submitted a total of the money paid on behalf of his correspondent.  Lord Silverbridge, who imagined himself to be anything but extravagant, had wondered how the figures could mount up so rapidly.  But the money needed was always forthcoming, and the raising of objections never seemed to be carried back beyond Mr Morton.  His promise to his father about the money-lenders had been scrupulously kept.  As long as ready money can be made to be forthcoming without any charge for interest, a young man must be very foolish who will prefer to borrow it at twenty-five per cent.

Now had come the night before the Derby, and it must be acknowledged that the young Lord was much fluttered by the greatness of the coming struggle.  Tifto, having seen his horse conveyed to Epsom, had come up to London in order that he might dine with his partner and hear what was being said about the race at the Beargarden.  The party dining there consisted of Silverbridge, Dolly Longstaff, Popplecourt, and Tifto.  Nidderdale was to have joined them, but he told them on the day before, with a sigh, that domestic duties were too strong for him.  Lady Nidderdale,—­or if not Lady Nidderdale herself, then Lady Nidderdale’s mother,—­was