That evening Lady Cantrip said a few words to Mary respecting the
proposed suitor. 'There is nothing I have such a horror of as
gambling.'
'It is dreadful.'
'I am very glad to think that Nidderdale does not do anything of
that sort.' It was perhaps on the cards that Nidderdale should do
things of which she knew nothing. 'I hope Silverbridge does not
bet.'
'I don't think he does.'
'There's Lord Popplecout,--quite a young man,--with everything at
his own disposal, and a very large estate. Think of the evil he
might do if he given that way.'
'Does he gamble?'
'Not at all. It must be such a comfort to his mother.'
'He looks to me as though he never would do anything,' said Lady
Mary. Then the subject was dropped.
It was a week after this, towards the end of July, that the Duke
wrote a line to Lady Cantrip, apologising for what he had done,
but explaining that he had asked Lord Popplecourt to dine at The
Horns on a certain Sunday. He had, he said, been assured by Lord
Cantrip that such an arrangement would be quite convenient.
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