He did not credit Tifto with much nobility. He knew
but little about the Major. He would much have preferred that his
son should have owned a horse alone, if he must have anything to
do with ownership. 'Would it not be better to buy the other
share?' asked the Duke.
'It would take a deal of money, sir. The Major would ask a couple
of thousand, I should think.'
'That is a great deal.'
'And then the Major is a very useful man. He thoroughly
understands the turf.'
'I hope he doesn't live by it?'
'Oh no, he doesn't live by it. That is, he has a great many irons
in the fire.'
'I do not mind a young man owning a horse, if he can afford the
expense,--as you perhaps can do; but I hope you don't bet.'
'Nothing to speak of.'
'Nothing to speak of is so apt to grow into that which has to be
spoken of.' So much that father said at breakfast, hardly giving
his mind to the matter discussed,--his mind being on other things.
But when their breakfast was eaten, then it was necessary that he
should begin. 'Silverbridge,' he said, 'I hope you have thought
better of what we were talking about as to these coming
elections.
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