He was the hero of the hour,
and everybody flattered him. It must be acknowledged that his head
was turned. They dined at eight and much wine was drunk. No one
was tipsy, but many were elated; and much confidence in their
favourite animals was imparted to men who had been sufficiently
cautious before dinner. Then cigars and soda-and-brandy became
common, and our young friend was not more abstemious than others.
Large sums were named, and at last in three successive bets Lord
Silverbridge backed his horse for more than forty thousand pounds.
As he was making the second bet Mr Lupton came across to him and
begged him to hold his hand. 'It will be a nasty sum for you to
lose, and winning it will be nothing to you,' he said.
Silverbridge took it good-humouredly, but said that he knew what
he was about. 'These men will pay,' whispered Lupton; 'but you
can't be sure what they're at.' The young man's brow was covered
with perspiration. He was smoking quick and had already smoked
more than was good for him. 'All right,' he said. 'I'll mind what
I'm about.
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