“'Ah, but you don't know why; you 'd never guess.'
“M'Claverty stared at him, but said nothing.
“'Well, I'll tell you,' resumed my grandfather; 'the reason is this: I 'll not let her run,—no, divil a step! I 'll bring her up to the ground, and you may look at her, and see that she 's all sound and safe, in top condition, and with a skin like a looking-glass, and then I 'll walk her back again! And do you know why I 'll do this?' said he, while his eyes flashed fire, and his lip trembled; 'just because I won't suffer the house of Dodd and Dempsey to be humbugged as if we were greengrocers! Two years ago, it was to “eat an oyster with me;” last year it was a “day with my hounds;” maybe now his Grace would join the race dinner; but that's all past and gone,—I 'll stand it no longer.'
“'Confound it, man,' said the captain, 'the Duke must have forgotten it. You never reminded him of his engagement. He 'd have been delighted to have come to you if he only recollected.'
“'I am sorry my memory was better than his,' said my grandfather, 'and I wish you a very good morning.'
“'Oh, don't go; wait a moment; let us see if we can't put this matter straight. You want the Duke to dine with you?'
“'No, I don't; I tell you I 've given it up.'
“'Well, well, perhaps so; will it do if you dine with him?'
“My grandfather had his hand on the lock,—he was just going,—he turned round, and fixed his eyes on the captain.
“'Are you in earnest, or is this only more of the same game?' said he, sternly.