now had you not gone to Gatherum Castle when he asked you; indeed, Fothergill would have known that it was vain to attempt it. And I'll tell you what, Mark, it does not do for me to make little of my own nest, but I truly believe the duke's word will be more efficacious than the Lord Petty Bag's solemn adjuration."
Mark, of course, expressed his gratitude in proper terms, and did buy the horse for a hundred and thirty pounds. "He's as well worth it," said Sowerby, "as any animal that ever stood on four legs; and my only reason for pressing him on you is, that when Tozer's day does come round, I know you will have to stand to us to something about that tune." It did not occur to Mark to ask him why the horse should not be sold to some one else, and the money forthcoming in the regular way. But this would not have suited Mr. Sowerby.
Mark knew that the beast was good, and, as he walked to his lodgings, was half proud of his new possession. But then, how would he justify it to his wife, or how introduce the animal into his stables without attempting any justification in the matter? And yet, looking to the absolute amount of his income, surely he might feel himself entitled to buy a new horse when it suited him. He wondered what Mr. Crawley would say when he heard of the new purchase. He had lately fallen into a state of much wondering as to what his friends and neighbors would say about him.
He had now been two days in town, and was to go down after breakfast on the following morning so that he might reach home by Friday afternoon. But on that evening, just as he was going to bed, he was surprised by Lord Lufton coming into the coffee-room at his hotel. He walked in with a hurried step, his face was red, and it was clear that he was very angry.
"Robarts," said he, walking up to his friend and taking the hand that was extended to him, "do you know any thing about this man Tozer?"
"Tozer—what Tozer? I have heard Sowerby speak of such a man."
"Of course you have. If I do not mistake, you have written to me about him yourself."
"Very probably. I remember Sowerby mentioning the man with reference to your affairs. But why do you ask me?"
