u may be quite sure of this, he would
not have done it 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 neighbours
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 anything 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?"

"This man has not only written to me, but has absolutely forced his
way into my rooms when I was dressing for dinner; and absolutely had
the impudence to tell me that if I did not honour some bill which he
holds for eight hundred p