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Mr Lupton professed his inability as a man of business. Lord Grasslough pleaded his father. The club from the first had been sure of Dolly Longestaffe's services; for were not Dolly's pecuniary affairs now in process of satisfactory arrangement, and was it not known by all men that his courage never failed him in regard to money? But even he declined.
'I shall not play, said Mr Lupton. 'There isn't a pack of cards in the house, said Dolly. Lord Grasslough didn't condescend to say a word. Sir Felix sat down with his cigar in his mouth, and the others continued to smoke in silence. 'I wonder what has become of Miles Grendall, asked Sir Felix. But no one made any answer, and they smoked on in silence.
He could tell us where he is; but I'm afraid to speak to him since he cut up so rough the other night. In a moment the conversation was stopped; but when Lord Grasslough asked Nidderdale in a whisper whether he knew anything about Melmotte, the latter answered out loud, 'Yes I left him in the House half an hour ago. 'People are saying that he has been arrested.
He was very cross, as brave as brandy could make him, and well inclined to expose Miles Grendall if he could find an opportunity. Up in the card-room he found all the accustomed men, with the exception of Miles Grendall. Nidderdale, Grasslough, Dolly, Paul Montague, and one or two others were there.
Nidderdale is the best fellow going, but he was always an ass. Nor had Miles Grendall been seen in the club for three days. 'We've got into a way of play the poor fellow doesn't like, said Lord Grasslough; 'and then Melmotte won't let him out of his sight.
And then, in the scramble, there would certainly be at any rate a doubt. And he knew that the men around him would be most unwilling to believe such an accusation. Grasslough was Grendall's friend, and Nidderdale and Dolly Longestaffe would infinitely rather be cheated than suspect any one of their own set of cheating them.
'That's all very well for you, Grasslough; but if you knew the comfort of having a fellow who could keep you straight without preaching sermons at you you wouldn't despise Squercum. I've tried to go alone and I find that does not answer.
He had still money enough to pay for his dinner and to begin a small rubber of whist. If fortune should go against him he might glide into I.O.U.'s, as others had done before, so much to his cost. 'By George, here's Carbury! said Dolly. Lord Grasslough whistled, turned his back, and walked upstairs; but Nidderdale and Dolly consented to have their hands shaken by the stranger.
'Certainly, only one thing, answered Felix. 'What one thing? 'I think these things should be squared before we play any more! 'What do you mean by that? said Grasslough angrily. 'Do you mean to hint anything? 'I never hint anything, my Grassy, said Felix. 'I believe when people play cards, it's intended to be ready-money, that's all. But I'm not going to stand on P's and Q's with you.
'So am I. Then the old man toddled into his own chamber, and after sitting there ten minutes went away home. Lord Nidderdale also got quickly through his legislative duties and went to the Beargarden. There he found Grasslough and Miles Grendall dining together, and seated himself at the next table. They were full of news. 'You've heard it, I suppose, said Miles in an awful whisper.
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