t here you are--your own mare, whom you know
down to the ground. Your own jockey, too. Look here, dear boy, La
Sylphide can't help winning. You'd be mad to miss this chance. I
should say, go and see the run, but I give way to your scruples there;
but when I see you chucking away a pile of money I begin to kick."

Sir Hilton rose and walked up and down the room, as his old friend and
companion continued talking, and ended by coming back to the table and
bringing down his fist with a bang.

"Yes," he cried, "it would be madness to miss the chance. By Jove!
I'll do it."

"Bravo, old man!"

"I'll put it in your hands, Jack. Get on for me all you can."

"Up to what?"

"All I've got in the bank. Four thou'."

"Do you mean it?"

"Of course."

"Well done, old chap. That's Hilt up to the hilt, like in the old
times."

"Pst! Someone coming," said the baronet, dropping into a chair. "We
didn't hear the chaise. It's my wife."

CHAPTER FIVE.

A LAMENTABLE CASE.

Lady Lisle swept into the room, fresh from the pony-carriage, looking
rather stern and haughty, her brows knitting at the sight of the
breakfast things, and then rising a little as she saw the
gallant-looking gentleman who rose and advanced to meet her.

"Dr Granton!"

"At your service, Lady Lisle. I was in the neighbourhood, and rode over
to see my dear old friend, but I am just off. I congratulate you. How
well he looks!"

"I am glad you think so. But--you have only just come. Will you not
stay? My husband must have a good deal to say to you."

"We could talk for hours, my dear madam, but I must be going on."

"You will stay to lunch?"

"Impossible. Most important business in the neighbourhood. Hilton has
been most hospitable and refreshed me, and I really must be off--eh,
Hilt?"

"Certainly."

"The fact is, Lady Lisle, it is a question of money matters. Business
connection with a bank."

Lady Lisle bowed, and looked relieved.

"If you must go, then, Dr Granton--"

"I really must, my dear madam. No, no, Hilton, dear boy, don't ring for
the horse; I'll go round by the stables and pick up my hack. Don't you
come. Good-morning, Lady Lisle. I hope you will let me call if I am
again this way?"

"Certainly, Dr Granton. I am always happy to extend the hospitality of
the Denes to my husband's friends."

"Thank you; of course. Once more, good-morning. Morning, Hilton, dear
boy. Au revoir!"

He passed out, and t