“Poor people should not bet,” returned the baronet severely. “I am sorry for Mr Chifney, since, if he had not quarrelled with his Lordship, the winner would have come out of his stables. As it was, he very nearly accomplished it with that French horse _Menclaus_--a success which I should, as an Englishman, have much deplored.” “Dear me! was not that the horse in which Walter was so much interested?” “I am sure I don't know, Letty. I should think my brother had no money to spare for the race-course, under present circumstances: he could surely never be such a fool.” “Very likely not, Richard. I never said a word about his risking money; I only said he was 'interested.'” “Ah!” rejoined the baronet significantly, “I dare say;” and then he began to whistle, as was not unusual with him when thoroughly displeased. Presently, however, recollecting that this was not a sociable sort of thing to do, Sir Richard abruptly observed: “Mamma had a letter from Paris this morning, and in a foreign hand; I wonder who her correspondent is. I do not think she has heard from abroad since immediately after our poor father's death. Then I remember several of her old French friends wrote to her.” “I hope it is no ill news of any kind, for I am getting quite anxious about dear mamma, Richard. Ever since Christmas last, she has seemed to get more and more depressed.” “I have only observed it lately,” answered the baronet, rather stiffly; “and I am sure we have not far to look for the reason.--By the by, there was a letter for her from Arthur Haldane also.” “Oh! was there?” said Letty carelessly, but turning a lively pink. Then after a short pause, during which the baronet resumed his paper: “If you will not have another cup of coffee, Richard, I think I will go up and see mamma.” At that moment, the door opened, and my Lady herself entered the room. Her cheeks were ashy pale, but her eyes were beaming with excitement, and the hand in which she held an open letter trembled as she spoke. “Oh, I have got such good news, Richard!” “What! from Arthur?” cried Letty. “Ah! I thought he would arrange everything as it should be.” Sir Richard frowned, and seemed about to speak, but did not do so. “Yes, I have heard from Arthur too,” said my Lady; “and very satisfactorily, although, perhaps, there may be matters which may require my presence in town for a day or two.” “You may always command my services, mother: I can start at five minutes' notice,” said Sir Richard gravely.