Then minute investigation was made into the betting of certain individuals. Of course there would be great plunder, and where would the plunder go? Who would get the money which poor Silverbridge would lose? It was said that one at least of the large bets made on that Tuesday evening could be traced to the same Villiers though not actually made by him. More would be learned when the settling-day should come. But there was quite enough already to show that there were many men determined to get to the bottom of it all if possible.
There came upon Silverbridge in his trouble a keen sense of his position and a feeling of the dignity which he ought to support. He clung during great part of the morning to Mr. Lupton. Mr. Lupton was much his senior and they had never been intimate; but now there was comfort in his society. "I am afraid you are hit heavily," said Mr. Lupton.
"Something over seventy thousand pounds!"
"Looking at what will be your property it is of course nothing. But if—"
"If what?"
"If you go to the Jews for it then it will become a great deal."
"I shall certainly not do that."
"Then you may regard it as a trifle," said Lupton.
"No, I can't. It is not a trifle. I must tell my father. He'll find the money."
"There is no doubt about that."