There had been unsettled gambling claims between Sowerby and Lord Lufton, originating in affairs of the turf.

It had now been going on for four years, almost from the period when Lord Lufton had become of age.
He had before now spoken to Robarts on the matter with much bitter anger, alleging that Mr.Sowerby was treating him unfairly, nay, dishonestly--that he was claiming money that was not due to him; and then he declared more than once that he would bring the matter before the Jockey Club.

But Mark, knowing that Lord Lufton was not clear-sighted in those matters, and believing it to be impossible that Mr.Sowerby should actually endeavour to defraud his friend, had smoothed down the young lord's anger, and recommended him to get the case referred to some private arbiter.

All this had afterwards been discussed between Robarts and Mr.Sowerby himself, and hence had originated their intimacy.

The matter was so referred, Mr.Sowerby naming the referee; and Lord Lufton, when the matter was given against him, took it easily.