worse had befallen many young men whom he knew.
He had never "plunged." In fact he had made the most prudent book in
the world; and had so managed affairs that even now the horse which
had been beaten was worth more than all he had lost and paid. "This
is getting serious," he had said to his partner when, on making out
a rough account, he had brought the Major in a debtor to him of
more than a thousand pounds. The Major had remarked that as he was
half-owner of the horses his partner had good security for the money.
Then something of an unwritten arrangement was made. The "Prime
Minister" was now one of the favourites for the Leger. If the horse
won that race there would be money enough for everything. If that
race were lost, then there should be a settlement by the transfer of
the stud to the younger partner. "He's safe to pull it off," said the
Major.

At this time both his sons were living with the Duke in London. It
had been found impracticable to send Lord Gerald back to Cambridge.
The doors of Trinity were closed against him. But some interest had
been made in his favour, and he was to be transferred to Oxford. All
the truth had been told, and there had been a feeling that the lad
should be allowed another chance. He could not however go to his new
Alma Mater till after the long vacation. In the meantime he was to
be taken by a tutor down to a cottage on Dartmoor and there be made
to read,--with such amusement in the meantime as might be got from
fishing, and playing cricket with the West Devon county club. "It
isn't a very bright look-out for the summer," his brother had said to
him, "but it's better than breaking out on the loose altogether. You
be a credit to the family and all that sort of thing. Then I'll give
up the borough to you. But mind you stick to the Liberals. I've made
an ass of myself." However in these early days of June Lord Gerald
had not yet got his tutor.

Though the father and the two young men were living together they did
not see very much of each other. The Duke breakfasted at nine and the
repast was a very simple one. When they failed to appear, he did not
scold,--but would simply be disappointed. At dinner they never met.
It was supposed that Lord Gerald passed his mornings in reading, and
some little attempts were made in that direction. It is to be feared
they did not come to much. Silverbridge was very kind to Gerald,
feeling an increased tenderness for him on account of that Cambrid