rheumatism. His duty by his son he must do, even though his heart
were torn to pieces.

During breakfast he tried to be gracious, and condescended to ask
a question about Prime Minister. Racing was an amusement to which
English noblemen had been addicted for many ages, and had been
held to be serviceable rather than disgraceful, if conducted in a
noble fashion. He did not credit Tifto with much nobility. He knew
but little about the Major. He would much have preferred that his
son should have owned a horse alone, if he must have anything to
do with ownership. 'Would it not be better to buy the other
share?' asked the Duke.

'It would take a deal of money, sir. The Major would ask a couple
of thousand, I should think.'

'That is a great deal.'

'And then the Major is a very useful man. He thoroughly
understands the turf.'

'I hope he doesn't live by it?'

'Oh no, he doesn't live by it. That is, he has a great many irons
in the fire.'

'I do not mind a young man owning a horse, if he can afford the
expense,--as you perhaps can do; but I hope you don't bet.'

'Nothing to speak of.'