“You did not, certainly; but I thought you might, and you would have been annoyed when I refused you; now, you have the power of being indignant, instead.  However, having said so much, I’ll tell you what I think you should do, and what I will do to relieve you, as far as the horses are concerned.  Do you go down to Kelly’s Court, and remain there quiet for a time.  You’ll be able to borrow what money you absolutely want down there, if the Dublin fellows actually refuse; but do with as little as you can.  The horses shall run in my name for twelve months.  If they win, I will divide with you at the end of the year the amount won, after deducting their expenses.  If they lose, I will charge you with half the amount lost, including the expenses.  Should you not feel inclined, at the end of the year, to repay me this sum, I will then keep the horses, instead, or sell them at Dycer’s, if you like it better, and hand you the balance if there be any.  What do you say to this?  You will be released from all trouble, annoyance, and expense, and the cattle will, I trust, be in good hands.”

“That is to say, that, for one year, you are to possess one half of whatever value the horses may be?”

“Exactly:  we shall be partners for one year.”

“To make that fair,” said Frank, “you ought to put into the concern three horses, as good and as valuable as my three.”

“Yes; and you ought to bring into the concern half the capital to be expended in their training; and knowledge, experience, and skill in making use of them, equal to mine.  No, Frank; you’re mistaken if you think that I can afford to give up my time, merely for the purpose of making an arrangement to save you from trouble.”

“Upon my word, Dot,” answered the other, “you’re about the coolest hand I ever met!  Did I ask you for your precious time, or anything else?  You’re always afraid that you’re going to be done.  Now, you might make a distinction between me and some of your other friends, and remember that I am not in the habit of doing anybody.”

“Why, I own I don’t think it very likely that I, or indeed anyone else, should suffer much from you in that way, for your sin is not too much sharpness.”

“Then why do you talk about what you can afford to do?”

“Because it’s necessary.  I made a proposal which you thought an unfair one.  You mayn’t believe me, but it is a most positive fact, that my only object in making that proposal was, to benefit you.  You will find it difficult to get rid of your horses on any terms; and yet, with the very great stake before you in Miss Wyndham’s fortune, it would be foolish in you to think of keeping them; and, on this account, I thought in what manner I could take them from you.  If they belong to my stables I shall consider myself bound to run them to the best advantage, and”—­

“Well, well—­for heaven’s sake don’t speechify about it.”

“Stop a moment, Frank, and listen, for I must make you understand.  I must make you see that I am not taking advantage of your position, and trying to rob my own friend in my own house.  I don’t care what most people say of me, for in my career I must expect people to lie of me.  I must, also, take care of myself.  But I do wish you to know, that though I could not disarrange my schemes for you, I would not take you in.”