"Especially as he'd backed him for five
hundred pounds himself. It's hardly likely he'd do such a thing for his
own sake, apart from his sense of honour, and his friendship for Leroy."
Lady Merivale glanced sceptically at the speaker. Her faith in Jasper's
sense of honour was not very strong. Then she gave a deep sigh.
"Why, Eveline," said her husband, looking up, "you seem quite grieved.
Not on your own account, I hope?" The idea of his wife betting was very
repugnant to him, and Lady Merivale always endeavoured to keep her
little flutters, whether on 'Change or on the turf, entirely to herself.
She laughed lightly, therefore, as she answered:
"Oh, no, indeed; I lost a dozen of gloves, that was all." A vision of
the cheque for five hundred pounds, which she had drawn, arose before
her as she spoke.
"I'm afraid it will take a little more than that to settle Leroy's
book," said Lord Merivale carelessly.
At this moment the door opened and Adrien Leroy himself was announced.
There was the usual buzz of welcome, and her ladyship's eyes flashed
just one second, as he bent over her hand.
"I am so glad you have come, Mr.
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