Leroy smiled gravely at his companion's flippant tones.

"You make an eloquent advocate; but there's little need for pity in her

case; her tastes are natural to her class. I was to blame for not

realising it before; but she'll be well set up for the future," he said,

and forthwith dismissed the subject from his mind. "But Jasper, what of

this chestnut entered the steeplechase?"

Vermont's dark, restless eyes dropped for a moment; then he said

lightly: "Do you mean that Yorkshire screw? Oh, he is all right! Can't run the

course, I should say, let alone the last rise. Nothing can touch the

roan. If I weren't a beggar, I'd cover 'King Cole's' back with guineas."

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"Do it for me," said Leroy carelessly, as he settled into the waiting

Daimler, which was his latest purchase.

"What, another thousand?" asked Jasper almost eagerly.

"Two, if you like," said his friend, as the chauffeur started the car,

and with a smile to Vermont he took his departure.

Vermont stood looking after him, his gaze almost still in its fixity;

then he turned and passed up the stairs. In the dining-room he found

Norgate, clearing away the cards and glasses, in no very amiable humour.

"Has there been a luncheon party?" queried Mr. Vermont.

"Yes, sir," answered Norgate aggrievedly; "Mr. Shelton, Lord Standon and

Mr. Paxhorn."

"And bridge?" murmured Mr. Vermont inquiringly.

"Yes, sir; and from what I heard, I believe Mr. Leroy lost."

"Ah," commented the other softly, "I fear Mr. Leroy always does lose,

doesn't he?"

"He's made me lose my time to-day with his fads and fancies," grumbled

Norgate, removing the folding card-table; "what with bringing in street

wenches at one o'clock in the morning; and they mustn't be disturbed, if

you please."

Jasper Vermont was instantly on the alert. He was not above encouraging

a servant to gossip, and, although Norgate was not given to err in this

direction as a rule, upon the present occasion his grievance got the

better of him, and Vermont was soon in possession of such slight facts

as could be gleaned.




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