“Yes, I know,” answered Blair drearily. “Here am I, an educated man, a gentleman, and I swear I spend more time in the society of stablemen and jockeys than anywhere else. It has brought me and mine to beggary almost, and yet--and yet, if Alabaster wins, as he must, it would be a shame not to make some more money out of him; and if he does not, it will be the purest, cursedest luck in the world--the creature has got it in him.” And then Blair’s face softened, and he took her hand, and said; “Do you know, Elizabeth, there is for me no pleasure on earth so great as that of getting the better of Skelton? and for that you must thank your own sweet self. The only woman he ever wanted to marry I took away from him; the only sport he cares for I have sometimes got the better of him. Now he thinks to ruin me on the turf, but Alabaster’s swift feet will save us yet, my girl.” Elizabeth said nothing, but turned away, sighing. The strain upon Mrs. Blair’s mind reacted upon her body. She became weak and bloodless, and entirely lost her appetite. She went about, silent as to her sufferings, but deathly pale, and Blair noticed with alarm that she not only did not eat but could not sleep. She persisted gently that nothing ailed her, and would not agree to see a doctor; but Blair became more distressed every day at her pallor and weakness. One night, on opening his wife’s door, he saw her sitting at the window looking out into the dim, moonless night at the river that flowed darkly. Her attitude was so dejected that Blair was cut to the heart. “Elizabeth,” he said, “tell me--tell me, what is it that is wearing your life away?” “Alabaster,” answered Elizabeth, with a half smile. “He is destroying _my_ mind, I believe,” Blair replied gloomily enough. “Darling,” said Elizabeth after a pause, and putting her hands on Blair’s broad shoulders as he stood over her, “do you want to see me well, and fresh, and rosy once more?” “God knows I do,” responded Blair with energy. “Then--then--make me a promise.” “Oh, I know what you mean,” cried Blair with nervous impatience. “You mean to ask me to cringe to Skelton, and to abandon this match on some subterfuge or other, and manage it so that all bets will be declared off.” In a moment he added: “Forgive me, Elizabeth, but a harassed man is not responsible for every word he says.” Elizabeth had not opened her mouth, but her look was enough to bring an immediate apology.