Yes, great God, the men at the Squadron Club are staking
their money upon my sister's character--even monkeys that she bolts with
Montesma--five to three against the marriage with Smithson ever coming
off.'
'Is this true.'
'It is as true as your marriage with Molly, as true as your loyalty to
me. I was told of it all this morning at the Haute Gomme by a man I can
rely upon, a really good fellow, who would not leave me in the dark
about my sister's danger when all the smoking-rooms in Pall Mall were
sniggering about it. My first impulse was to take the train for Cowes;
but then I knew if I went alone I should let my temper get the better of
me. I should knock somebody down--throw somebody out of the window--make
a devil of a scene. And this would be fatal for Lesbia. I wanted your
counsel, your cool head, your steady common-sense. "Not a step forward
without Jack," I said to myself, so I bolted off and sent that telegram.
It relieved my feeling a little, but I've had a wretched day.'
'Waiter, bring me a Bradshaw, or an A B C,' said Lord Hartfield.
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