One of his team was lame, and a great friend of his was sulky and had sent him away, and yet he sat radiantly cheerful, with a large cigar in his mouth and a small terrier by his side, subjecting every lady who passed to a respectful and covert but none the less searching and severe examination.
"I say, Rick, have you seen Haddington lately ?" "Yes; he's gone down the road with Kate Bernard to play tennis, or some such foolery." "With Kate ?" "Rather! Didn't expect anything else, did you ?" "Does he mean to marry that girl ?" asked Ayre, with a face of great innocence, much as if it had just occurred to him.
"Well, he can't, unless she chucks old Eugene over." "Will she, do you think ?" "Well, I'm afraid not.

I've got some money on that they're never married, but I don't see my way to handling it." "Much ?" "Well, no; about twopence-halfpenny--a fancy bet." "I'm glad it's nothing, because I want you to help me, and you couldn't have if you had anything on; besides, you shouldn't bet on such things." "Oh, I'm not going to meddle with the thing.

It's enough work to prevent one's self getting married, without troubling about other people.

But I rather like you telling me not to bet on it!" "She wouldn't suit Eugene." "No; lead him the devil of a life." "She don't care for him." "Not a straw." "Then, why don't she break it off ?" "Ah, you innocent ?" said Rickmansworth, with a broad grin.

"Never heard of such a thing as money in the case, did you?
Where have you been these last five-and-forty years ?" "Your raillery's a little fatiguing, Rick, if you don't mind my saying so." "Say anything you like, old chap, as long as it isn't swearing.