Of course I have been an infernal ass. I know all
that. But as the horse is hers--"
"Say nothing about the horse. Were she to ask for it of course she
could have it; but that is not likely."
"And you think I had better say nothing else."
"Not a word. Of course it will be shown to all her friends and may
possibly find its way into print. I don't know what steps such a
young lady may be advised to take. Her uncle is a man of honour.
Her father is an ass and careless about everything. Mistletoe will
not improbably feel himself bound to act as though he were her
brother. They will, of course, all think you to be a rascal,--and
will say so."
"If Mistletoe says so I'll horsewhip him."
"No you won't, Rufford. You will remember that this woman is a
woman, and that a woman's friends are bound to stand up for her.
After all your hands are not quite clean in the matter."
"I am heavy enough on myself Penwether. I have been a fool and I
own it. But I have done nothing unbecoming a gentleman." He was
almost tempted to quarrel with his brother-in-law, but at last he
allowed the letter to be sent just as Sir George had written it,
and then tried to banish the affair from his mind for the present
so that he might enjoy his life till the next hostile step should
be taken by the Trefoil clan.
When Larry Twentyman received the lord's note, which was left at
Chowton Farm by Hampton's groom, he was in the lowest depth of
desolation.
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