The Black Moth

"Debts?"

"Lord, yes! I was at Delaby's last night, and the stakes were high.Altogether I've lost about three thousand--counting what I owe Carew.And devil take me an I know where 'tis to come from! Here's Tracy turnedsaint and swears he'll see me damned before he hands me another penny. Idoubt he means it, too."

Tracy was the Duke. Richard smiled a little cynically; he had alreadyhad to lend his Grace a thousand guineas to pay off some "triflingdebt."

"He means it right enough. I believe it would puzzle him to find it."

"Do you say so? Why, 'tis impossible man! Tracy was in town scarce afortnight since, and he had a run of the devil's own luck. I tell youDick, I saw him walk off with a cool five thousand one night! And thenhe denies me a paltry three! Lord, what a brother! And all with the airof an angel, as if _he_ had never lost at dice. And a homily thrown in!Anyone would think I had cheated, instead of--ahem!... Dick, I'mconfoundedly sorry! Damned thoughtless of me--never thought aboutJo--about what I was saying--I'm a fool!" For Richard had winced.

"You cannot help that," he said, forcing a laugh. "Have done with yourapologies, and continue."

They had come to the stream by now, and crossed the little bridge intothe wood.

"Oh, there's not much more. 'Tis only that something must be done, forCarew won't wait, and stap me if I'd ask him, the lean-facedscarecrow!--so I came to you, Dick."

He let go Richard's arm and flung himself down on a fallen tree-trunk,regardless of velvet and laces.

"You're a good fellow, and you don't lecture a man as Tracy does, deviltake him! And you play high yourself, or you did, though 'tis an agesince I saw you win or lose enough to wink at. And, after all, you'reLavvy's husband, and--oh, damn it all, Dick, 'tis monstrous hard to askyou!"

Carstares, leaning against a tree, surveyed the youthful rake amusedly.

"'Tush, Andrew!" he reassured him. "You're welcome to ask, but the Lordknows where I'm to find it! Gad, what a life! Here's Lavinia keepsbuying silks, and I don't know what all, and--"

"She was ever a spendthrift jade," said Andrew with a mighty frown.

Richard laughed at him.

"You're a thrifty fellow yourself, of course!"

Andrew looked round for something to throw at him, and finding nothing,relapsed once more into deepest despondency.

"You're in the right of't. We're a worthless lot. 'Tis the old man'sblood in us, I doubt not, with a smattering of her Grace. You never knewmy mother, Richard. She was French--Lavvy's the spit of her. There'sTracy--stap me, but Tracy's the very devil! Have you ever seen a facelike his? No, I'll swear you've not! What with his sneering mouth andhis green eyes--oh, 'tis enough to make a fellow go to the dogs to havea brother like it, 'pon my soul it is! Ay, you laugh, but I tell you'tis serious!"

"Ay, go on!"

"Well next there's Bob--damn it all, but I'm sorry for Bob! 'Tis abeggarly pittance they give one in the army, and he was never one topinch and scrape. Well, as I say, there's Bob, and I never see him, butwhat it's: 'Lend me a hundred, Andy!' or the like. And all to buy hismistress some gewgaw. That's what sickens me! Why, Bob's for ever insome scrape with a petticoat, and as for Tracy! Gad, how they can! Thenthere's Lavinia, but I should think you know her by now, and lastly,there's your humble servant. And I tell you, Dick, what with the racing,and the cards, and the bottle, I shall be a ruined man before you canturn round! And the pother is I'll never be any different. 'Tis in theblood, so where's the use in trying?" He made a rueful grimace, androse. "Come on, young rip! We're going back."

John, engaged in the task of hunting for tadpoles in the water someyards distant, nodded and ran on.

"I fear my lady is indisposed," said Richard hesitatingly. "You wishedto see her?"

Andrew winked knowingly.

"Tantrums, eh? Oh, I know her. No, I do not care an I do not see her;'tis little enough she cares for me, though she's as thick as thieveswith Tracy--oh, ay, I'll be dumb."

They walked slowly back to the house, Andrew, silent for once, twirlinghis gold-mounted cane.

"You shall have the money, of course. When do you want it?" said Richardpresently.

"'Pon honour, you're a devilish good fellow, Dick! But if 'tis like toput you to any--"

"Nonsense. When do you need it?"

"I should pay Carew as soon as may be. Markham can wait over if--"

"No, no! Wednesday?"

"'Twill do excellently well. Dick, you're a--"