"The English aristocracy--eh, Smith ?" "Blood and breeding--ah, Jones!" As soon as he had spoken, Arnold's conscience reproached him: not for betting (who is ashamed of _that_ form of gambling in England ?) but for "backing the doctor." With the best intention toward his friend, he was speculating on the failure of his friend's health.

He anxiously assured Geoffrey that no man in the room could be more heartily persuaded that the surgeon was wrong than himself.

"I don't cry off from the bet," he said.

"But, my dear fellow, pray understand that I only take it to please _you._" "Bother all that!" answered Geoffrey, with the steady eye to business, which was one of the choicest virtues in his character.

"A bet's a bet--and hang your sentiment!" He drew Arnold by the arm out of ear-shot of the others.