[_With a cry, falling on his knees._] Oh, sir! Oh, sir! I knew that 'igh-sperited lady would bring grief and sorrow to the peaceful, 'appy Deanery! Oh, sir, I _'ave_ done a little on my hown account from time to time on the 'ill, halso hon commission for the kitchen! THE DEAN. I knew it--I knew it! BLORE. Oh, sir, you are a old gentleman--turn a charitable 'art to the Races! It's a wicious institution what spends more ready money in St. Marvells than us good people do in a year. THE DEAN. Get up, Blore--get up. Oh, Edward Blore, Edward Blore, what weak creatures we are! BLORE. We are, sir--we are--'specially when we've got a tip, sir. Think of the temptation of a tip, sir. THE DEAN. I do, Blore--I do. BLORE. I confess heverything, sir. Bonny Betsy's bound for to win the 'andicap. THE DEAN. No, no--she isn't. BLORE. She is, sir. THE DEAN. I know better; she can never get down the hill with those legs of hers. BLORE. She can, sir--what's to beat her? THE DEAN. The horse in my stable--Dandy Dick! BLORE. Dandy Dick! That old bit of ma'ogany, sir. They're layin' ten to one against him. THE DEAN. [_With hysterical eagerness._] Are they? I'll take it! I'll take it! BLORE. Lord love you, sir--fur how much? THE DEAN. Fifty! There's the money. [_Impulsively he crams the notes into BLORE'S hand and then recoils in horror._] Oh! [_Sinks into a chair with a groan._ BLORE. [_In a whisper._] Lor', who'd 'ave thought the Dean was such a ardent sportsman at 'art? He dursn't give me my notice after this. [_To THE DEAN._] Of course it's understood, sir, that we keep our little weaknesses dark. Houtwardly, sir, we remain respectable, and, I 'ope, respected. [_Putting the notes into his pocket._] I wish you good-night, sir. [_He walks to the door. THE DEAN makes an effort to recall him but fails._] And that old man 'as been my pattern and example for years and years! Oh, Edward Blore, your hidol is shattered! [_Turning to THE DEAN._] Good-night, sir. May your dreams be calm and 'appy, and may you have a good run for your money! [_BLORE goes out--THE DEAN gradually recovers his self-possession._ THE DEAN.