“Not a bit. What horse is it?”
“It’s a tip Ned Foster sent me. He was one of my father’s grooms, you know, and I hear of him sometimes. He used to be very good to me when I was a child. I had a letter from him to-day begging me to back Averstone. He says he’s absolutely certain to romp in on Wednesday.”
“How much do you want me to put on him?” asked Sidney.
“I haven’t got much, I’m afraid,” said Barbara ruefully, “but I’ve saved a little out of the pocket money your aunt gives me. It’s only £20. I wish it was more.”
“Are you going to risk your entire fortune?” said Sidney. “You’re a pretty rash young lady, aren’t you?”
“Oh, I must have a flutter. Besides, it’s a dead certainty. I’d put a thousand on if I had it.”
“What a fearful gambler! When you’ve lost as much as I have you’ll go a bit slower.”
“Have you lost much?” asked Barbara sympathetically. “I’m so sorry. Just lately?”
“Well, yes, since you ask me I don’t mind telling you that I have had some rather nasty blows during the last few months. That brute, Benfar, has a lot to answer for, my word!”