[_With hysterical eagerness._] Are they? I'll take it! I'll take it!
Fifty! There's the money. [_Impulsively he crams the notes into BLORE'S hand and then recoils in horror._] Oh!
[_In a whisper._] Lor', who'd 'ave thought the Dean was such a ardent sportsman at 'art? He dursn't give me my notice after this. [_To THE DEAN._] Of course it's understood, sir, that we keep our little weaknesses dark. Houtwardly, sir, we remain respectable, and, I 'ope, respected. [_Putting the notes into his pocket._] I wish you good-night, sir. [_He walks to the door. THE DEAN makes an effort to recall him but fails._] And that old man 'as been my pattern and example for years and years! Oh, Edward Blore, your hidol is shattered! [_Turning to THE DEAN._] Good-night, sir. May your dreams be calm and 'appy, and may you have a good run for your money!
[_BLORE goes out--THE DEAN gradually recovers his self-possession._
I--I am upset to-night, Blore. Of course you leave this day month. I--I [_looking round._] Blore! He's gone! If I don't call him back the Spire may be richer to-morrow by five hundred pounds. I won't dwell on it. I'll read--I'll read. [_Snatches a book at haphazard from the bookshelf. There is the sound of falling rain and distant thunder._] Rain, thunder. How it assimilates with the tempest of my mind! I'll read. Bless me! This is very strange. [_Reading._] "The Horse and its Ailments, by John Cox, M. R. C. V. S." It was with the aid of this volume that I used to doctor my old mare at Oxford. A leaf turned down. [_Reading._] "Simple remedies for chills--the Bolus." The helpless beast in my stable is suffering from a chill. Good gracious! If I allow Blore to risk my fifty pounds on Dandy Dick, surely it would be advisable to administer this Bolus to the poor animal without delay. [_Referring to the book hastily._] I have these drugs in my chest. There's not a moment to be lost! [_Going to the bell and ringing._] I shall want help. I'll fetch my medicine chest.
[_He lays the book upon the table and goes into the Library._
[_Looking round._] Where is he? The bell rang. The Dean's puzzling me with his uncommon behavior, that he is.
[_THE DEAN comes from the Library, carrying a large medicine chest. On encountering BLORE he starts and turns away his head, the picture of guilt._