" Would that he had!
That was Mark's wish now,--his futile wish. In what a slough of
despond had he come to wallow in consequence of his folly on that
night at Gatherum Castle! He had then done a silly thing, and was he
now to rue it by almost total ruin? He was sickened also with all
these lies. His very soul was dismayed by the dirt through which he
was forced to wade. He had become unconsciously connected with the
lowest dregs of mankind, and would have to see his name mingled with
theirs in the daily newspapers. And for what had he done this? Why
had he thus filed his mind and made himself a disgrace to his cloth?
In order that he might befriend such a one as Mr. Sowerby!
"Well," continued Sowerby, "I did get the money, but you would
hardly believe the rigour of the pledge which was exacted from me
for repayment. I got it from Harold Smith, and never, in my worst
straits, will I again look to him for assistance. I borrowed it only
for a fortnight; and in order that I might repay it, I was obliged to
ask you for the price of the horse. Mark, it was on your behalf that
I did all this,--indeed it was."
"And now I am to repay you for your kindness by the loss of all that
I have in the world."
"If you will put the affair into the hands of Mr.
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