Похищенный
Chapter 23
Myfriendfairlylosthismoney,afterhavingfairlygainedafargreatersumofyours;canIacceptitbackagain?Wouldthatbetherightpartformetoplay?WhateverIdo,youcanseeforyourselfitmustbeharduponamanofanypride.”
“It’sratherhardonme,too,Mr.Balfour,”saidCluny,“andyegivemeverymuchthelookofamanthathasentrappedpoorpeopletotheirhurt.Iwouldnaehavemyfriendscometoanyhouseofminetoacceptaffronts;no,”hecried,withasuddenheatofanger,“noryettogivethem!”
“Andsoyousee,sir,”saidI,“thereissomethingtobesaiduponmyside;andthisgamblingisaverypooremployforgentlefolks.ButIamstillwaitingyouropinion.”
IamsureifeverClunyhatedanymanitwasDavidBalfour.Helookedmealloverwithawarlikeeye,andIsawthechallengeathislips.Buteithermyyouthdisarmedhim,orperhapshisownsenseofjustice.Certainlyitwasamortifyingmatterforallconcerned,andnotleastCluny;themorecreditthathetookitashedid.
“Mr.Balfour,”saidhe,“Ithinkyouaretooniceandcovenanting,butforallthatyouhavethespiritofaveryprettygentleman.Uponmyhonestword,yemaytakethismoney—it’swhatIwouldtellmyson—andhere’smyhandalongwithit!”