H. B. Marriott Watson

“ You are brave and true and noble."
Something in Marazion's heart cracked and failed in that moment. In a flash there returned upon him the memory of what he had done, of the wager, and of the false pretences under which he was there. His eyes left her face and fell; she drooped from his lax arms even as she had surrendered herself to them. Impetuous and passionate as he was by nature, those innocent, trusting eyes had driven home to him his treachery. Betty looked up at him, blushing still, yet with surprise growing distantly in her gaze.
"Miss Hilton," said he, "I love you. ”

“ Then he came back to the table. "Well, Squire," said he, "this is an odd turn of the wheel."
"You give me your word of honour this is so?" asked Hilton, after a pause.
"You have it, sir," said his lordship; and once more the Squire was silent, apparently deliberating, as he looked into the fire.
Presently he spoke: "I beg you will help yourself to wine, my lord," he said; and, perceiving that Marazion was drinking brandy, smiled his sardonic smile. "Well, sir, this disposes of your chance, and I confess I am sorry for you. You have lost." ”

“ You cannot reach Worcestershire to-night."
"'Tis not Worcestershire. We go to Kingston Hill, to my cousin Anne's," said Betty simply.
His eyes encountered hers, expressing in their gaze the shock and disappointment of this news; and the girl's demurely dropped. From the daughter his glance went on to the father, who was still reading in his book, but in whose face he could detect the hard grin which had always provoked him, even in their early acquaintance.
"That will be charming," said he, quickly: "you will doubtless spend a pleasant Christmas there." ”

“ Lord Marazion drew his sword with a flourish, for he was not wanting in wits at any time, and drove it perilously near his friend Main. "I will pink you, if you do not withdraw," he declared. "What the devil! can a lady not walk London streets without being molested by a pack of wolves or satyrs?"
But here Sir John, taking his cue, broke in roughly: "Now, by heaven, I will not budge a step till I have seen her. Come, let us carry 'em along with us."
"Then have it," said his lordship, and struck out with his point. ”

“ But a title's a title. If he is refused he loses all; if he wins he has twenty thousand guineas, plus an elderly virgin or a fat light o' love. The odds are with Hilton."
"Alea jacta," said Mr. Fox. "It will keep us warm till Christmas, George."
Young Lord Marazion, with his precise step, all the more deliberate because he was somewhat uncertain of his legs, having adjusted his dress very neatly, moved indifferently to the door. After him poured a stream of Brooks's men, including Mr. Fox and Mr. Selwyn, while the Squire brought up the rear with a cynical smile. ”

“ His large figure, very plainly but becomingly dressed, loomed over the slim person of the peer, who had not risen with him, and now, his eyes concentrated but expressionless, spoke deliberately.
"It seems a gentleman must not play at Brooks's after eleven," he said, choosing his words quite comfortably, if slowly. "It is news to me; but if I may not play, none can stop me from a wager. I challenge you on that, Squire." ”

“ Hilton," went on his lordship, deliberately. "Well, here's your chance: wager against it what you will."
The Squire's eyes flashed, but he said nothing.
"Come," pursued his lordship, "I am not particular to a point. Anything will serve. And if you have not the spirit to pick out a hazard, why, I will do it for you. I will wager you Houghton Roy against twenty thousand guineas," he said, speaking with slow emphasis, "that I will marry the first woman eligible that I encounter, going from these doors." ”

“ Heroes are not so treated. Well, you shall have your fling, but I will promise nothing. You pressed me, and"—he hesitated, and then said deliberately—"I want Houghton Roy."
"You will not get it, sir," said Marazion, eyeing him quietly.
The Squire shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. Here was a popinjay who thought himself irresistible. The thought added to his contempt, yet he felt angered that this young man should rate his daughter so low as the price of a wager. ”

“ Hilton, "we do not return until after New Year's Day. I will confess, sir, I would have rather gone to Worcestershire, where I am at home, than to cousin Anne's, who is so prim and particular. But 'tis Mr. Hilton's arrangement," and she sighed.
"What hour do you leave?" asked Marazion.
"We shall leave before supper," said the lady, discontentedly; "'twill be two hours' drive, and we shall arrive cold. If the snow falls, Betty, we shall be perished. We go by Putney."
The Squire shut his book, and rose, carefully locking the brass clasps. ”

“ Hilton who began, opening with the state of the roads and the weather somewhat querulously.
"The roads are full of mud," agreed Lord Marazion, "and I doubt but there will be snow before night."
"There it is, Mr. Hilton," called out the lady. "Do you hear what his lordship says: there will be snow before night?"
"It is very likely," returned the Squire, without looking up.
"Mr. Hilton will have us depart from London," pursued the lady, helplessly. "He has just acquainted us we must go this afternoon."
"This afternoon! But," cried out Marazion in surprise, "'tis Christmas Eve. ”

“ The snow is over."
There was a somewhat sardonic smile on Hilton's face, as he looked from the one to the other, waiting patiently until some decision should be come to; and his attitude suggested to Lord Marazion the amusement and contempt of a superior being who looks on at the squabbles of two schoolboys. He pushed his friend away with his elbow, and began to deal. Sir John rose angrily.
"You are not fit to play, my lord," he said, and fixed his indignant eyes on the Squire.
"He is right," said a voice from among the group of interested spectators. ”

“ The group of men who were playing at macao in the corner of the card-room had drawn the attention of the general company, partly by reason of their laughter, and partly from the high stakes that were passing. ”