The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 340: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

338 mott. “You are a damned lucky fellow,” laconically observed his friend. “* My wife knows of my disgrace.” “ Better your wife than the world; besides, a cur- tain lecture is nothing to one frem a judge. Come, cheer up! Remember, you have promised to go this evening to Hawk's.” “No; I have boen there too frequently already.” * So most losers say,” urged the tempter; “ but not those who win. This affair has upset you. Better eome with me; a glass or two of generous wine will revive you; besides, it will prevent your meeting with Rose till her anger has abated.” This last argument prevailed, and the poor, weak, irresclute dupe permitted himself to be conducted to a neighbouring tavern, where the intoxicating draught was drained, which drowns reason in the excitement of temporary madness. At the appointed heur they ones more sought the gaming house. “You are late,” whispered the host; “here is a stranger whom I wish to introduce you to; a bird whose plames are worth the plucking.” He pointed with his glance to a fashionably attired young man, whose manners and eppeatanice indicated a superior rank in life from those around him. THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON, « er then, 1 am indeed a wretch,” sighed Wil- | pounds. The sum was so heavy that it attracted attention. , “T never play so high,” replied the young man. Faddle, who had been, contrary to custom, a loser, sneered. “T hate your cool players,’’ he exclaimed; “ fellows who calculate their chances as your mathematicians do their lines and angles, Give me the bold, reckless gamester, who stakes his fertune upon the hazard of the die.” “ And lose it,” added the officer. doubtless, suit you best.” “I feat to lose as little as any man,” said the intended pigeon, coolly; “and if the gentleman repeats his challenge I certainly shall not decline.” The challenge was repeated, and despite the pre- tended remonstrance of their host, who vowed that he could not permit such high play in his honse, the stranger accepted, fresh cards were brought, and in a few misutes he and Wilmott, surrounded by the rest of the party, commenced their game. The sum was staked on either side. In three games the latter was a beggar. Despair took possession of his heart when he contemplated his loss. His friend smiled complacently, for he was secretly delighted at his ruin, although not accomplished exactly in the manner he wished. Already he anticipated that Rose would listen to the ungenerous passion which he prefaned by the name of “Such men, “His name?” demanded Faddle, who was really a | leve. stranger to the party. * Morton.” “Ts he rich?” “As a nabob,” replied Hawk, still in fhe same under tone; “I know that at Lord Rouse’s dinner he last night lost a couple of thousands as coolly as you would sport a fifty. Draw him gently, and the game is won.” Soon after the arrival of Wilmoft and Faddle, the game commenced, and the young gentleman, whose aristocratic appearance had so excited the hopes of Hawk and his elique, played high, with various siic- cess, never betraying by word, or even change of countenance, the least emotien, whether he lost or won, “A cool hand,” whispered their host, as he saw the stranger sweep a bundle of notes from the table. “Faddle, you have met your match at last. Luck has deserted you,” “Are you surprised at that,’’ ‘muttered the gambler, “ when you reflect that Fortune i is a female divinity ?” “ Always railiag against women,” said an Irish officer who was present. ‘‘As poor Sheridan says, no man ever yet abused the sex unless he felt conscious he deserved their hate.” The sneer conveyed in the words, and. the general smile with which it was received, stung the heartless man of the world. He had so long been accustomed to render those with whom he came in contact pliant, that he could ill brook a repartee. Although he despised flattery, he wished for it. With difficulty he suppressed the insolent retort upon his lips; but prudence prevailed, for the speaker was not only known as a man of high courage, but had the repu- tation ef being one of the best shots in the kingdom. Like most men who are insolent by nature, Faddle could act like a prudent man, The game commenced favourably to the deluded Wilmott, who at first was a considerable winner. His daring rose with his success, and he challenged the stranger to a party of lansquenet for five hundred “ Another game,” said Wilmott, livid with rage. “ Steke the money, and I am at your service.” “Ts not my word good for a paltry five hundred? Hawk and these gentlemen,” added the dupe, * will tell you it has been pledged for as many thonsands, and never yet dishonoured.”’” “ Possibly,” replied his antagonist, coolly pocketing the large amount he had won; “but I have made a rule never to play on credit.” It was in vain that the beggared gamester sought to raise the sum by borrowing amongst his friends. Men who, but an hour before, had hundreds before fhem, were suddenly without a guinea; others had forgot their purses. In the mortification of their re- fusal, Wilmott felt that he wasaruined man. Six months before, and he might have borrowed a theu- | sand pounds upon his cheque. In sullen despair, he | rushed to the side-board, and began drinking brandy to drown reflection. “ We shall hear of a suicide before morning,” whis- | pered Hawk to Faddle, at the same time glancing | significantly towards his friend. “Damn him—no!” replied the sharper, in the same under tone; “he is a mere sniveller, who has | not the courage either to. lose or die like a-man.” The speaker had been nettled at the success of the | | stranger, and the perfect self-possession, as well as knowledge of the game, which he displayed. He had long looked upon himself as one of the best lansquenet players about town—a perfect master of cone and he offered to take his friend’s place, if the e- man would condescend to meet him. “Tt is hardly fair,” replied the young man; “for 1| can scarcely expect fortune to favour me with a second opponent; but as I have hitherto been a winner, I accept; but it must be on one condition.” “ Name it.” “That we post our stakes, and play for a fixed number of guineas—three or five,” “ Five,” said Faddle. “Pendence!” whispered Hawk, {don’t half i your customer.” e@anticelovore) <3 bs