cries Cluny . `` Where 's the generosity ? This is just a most unfortunate affair ; but what would ye have me do -- boxed up in this bee-skep of a cage of mine -- but just set my friends to the cartes , when I can get them ? And if they lose , of course , it 's not to be supposed -- '' And here he came to a pause . `` Yes , '' said I , `` if they lose , you give them back their money ; and if they win , they carry away yours in their pouches ! I have said before that I grant your generosity ; but to me , sir , it 's a very painful thing to be placed in this position . '' There was a little silence , in which Cluny seemed always as if he was about to speak , but said nothing . All the time he grew redder and redder in the face . `` I am a young man , '' said I , `` and I ask your advice . Advise me as you would your son . My friend fairly lost his money , after having fairly gained a far greater sum of yours ; can I accept it back again ? Would that be the right part for me to play ? Whatever I do , you can see for yourself it must be hard upon a man of any pride . '' `` It 's rather hard on me , too , Mr. Balfour , '' said Cluny , `` and ye give me very much the look of a man that has entrapped poor people to their hurt . I wouldnae have my friends come to any house of mine to accept affronts ; no , '' he cried , with a sudden heat of anger , `` nor yet to give them ! '' `` And so you see , sir , '' said I , `` there is something to be said upon my side ; and this gambling is a very poor employ for gentlefolks . But I am still waiting your opinion . '' I am sure if ever Cluny hated any man it was David Balfour . He looked me all over with a warlike eye , and I saw the challenge at his lips . But either my youth disarmed him , or perhaps his own sense of justice .
Certainly it was a mortifying matter for all concerned , and not least XXXXX ; the more credit that he took it as he did .
Balfour Cluny affronts bee-skep cartes course gentlefolks right something son