And then it was excessively grievous to him that his
son should have been mixed up with such men. Wishing to screen his
son, even from his own anger, he was careful to remember the
promise made that Tifto should be dismissed, was not to take
effect till after this race had been run. There had been no deceit
in that. But then Silverbridge had promised that he would not
'plunge'. There are, however, promises which from their very
nature may be broken without falsehood. Plunging is a doubtful
word, and the path down to it, like all doubtful paths,--is
slippery and easy! If that assurance with which Mr Moreton ended
his letter could only be made true, he could bring himself to
forgive even this offence. The boy must be made to settle himself
in life. The Duke resolved that his only revenge should be to
press on that marriage with Mabel Grex.
At Coblenz, on their way home, the Duke and his daughter were
caught up by Mr and Mrs Finn, and the matter of the young man's
losses was discussed. Phineas had heard all about it, and was loud
in denunciations against Tifto, Captain Green, Gilbert Villiers,
and others whose names had reached him.
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