And so it was that Cecil, backed by her two counsellors, held her purpose, and Raymond sadly spoke of the plan of separation to Julius. Both thought Mrs. Poynsett’s own plan the best, though they could not bear the idea of her leaving her own house. Raymond was much displeased.
“At least,” he said, “there is a reprieve till this frantic fortnight is over. I envy your exemption from the turmoil.”
“I wish you would exempt yourself from the races,” said Julius. “The mischief they have done in these villages is incalculable! The very men-servants are solicited to put into sweepstakes, whenever they go into Wil’sbro’; and only this morning Mrs. Hornblower has been to me about her son.”
“I thought he was the great feather in Herbert Bowater’s cap.”
“Showing the direction of the wind only too well. Since Herbert has been infected with the general insanity, poor Harry Hornblower has lapsed into his old ways, and is always hanging about the ‘Three Pigeons’ with some of the swarm of locusts who have come down already to brawl round the training stables. This has come to Truelove’s ears, and he has notice of dismissal. At the mother’s desire I spoke to Truelove, but he told me that at last year’s races the lad had gambled at a great rate, and had only been saved from dishonesty by detection in time. He was so penitent that Truelove gave him another trial, on condition that he kept out of temptation; but now he has gone back to it, Mr. Truelove thinks it the only way of saving him from some fresh act of dishonesty. ‘It is all up with them,’ he says, ‘when once they take that turn.’”
“You need not speak as if I were accountable for all the blackguardism.”
“Every man is accountable who lends his name and position to bolster up a field of vice.”
“Come, come, Julius. Remember what men have been on the turf.”
“If those men had withheld their support, fashion would not have led so many to their ruin.”
“Hundreds are present without damage. It is a hearty out-of-doors country amusement, and one of the few general holidays that bring all ranks together.”