Викрадений

           Myfriendfairlylosthismoney,afterhavingfairlygainedafargreatersumofyours;canIacceptitbackagain?Wouldthatbetherightpartformetoplay?WhateverIdo,youcanseeforyourselfitmustbeharduponamanofanypride.”

           “It’sratherhardonme,too,Mr.Balfour,”saidCluny,“andyegivemeverymuchthelookofamanthathasentrappedpoorpeopletotheirhurt.Iwouldnaehavemyfriendscometoanyhouseofminetoacceptaffronts;no,”hecried,withasuddenheatofanger,“noryettogivethem!”

           “Andsoyousee,sir,”saidI,“thereissomethingtobesaiduponmyside;andthisgamblingisaverypooremployforgentlefolks.ButIamstillwaitingyouropinion.”

           IamsureifeverClunyhatedanymanitwasDavidBalfour.Helookedmealloverwithawarlikeeye,andIsawthechallengeathislips.Buteithermyyouthdisarmedhim,orperhapshisownsenseofjustice.Certainlyitwasamortifyingmatterforallconcerned,andnotleastCluny;themorecreditthathetookitashedid.

           “Mr.Balfour,”saidhe,“Ithinkyouaretooniceandcovenanting,butforallthatyouhavethespiritofaveryprettygentleman.Uponmyhonestword,yemaytakethismoney—it’swhatIwouldtellmyson—andhere’smyhandalongwithit!”