ly over our late conversation. I
tried to remember whether he had said or done anything to guide me into
this particular hell. Certainly he had not proposed my playing, but
rather opposed it; and I could not remember that by word or act he had
endeavoured to introduce me to the game. Moreover, he seemed as much
astonished as myself at seeing these gentlemen behind the table.

What of all that? The surprise might have been well feigned. Possibly
enough; and after my late experience of the pork-merchant, probably
enough, Monsieur D'Hauteville was also a partner in the firm of Chorley,
Hatcher, and Co. I wheeled round with an angry expression on my lips,
when the current of my thoughts was suddenly checked, and turned into a
new channel. The young Creole stood looking up in my face--he was not
so tall as I--gazing upon me out of his beautiful eyes, and waiting
until my moment of abstraction should pass. Something glittered in his
outstretched hand. It was a purse. I could see the yellow coins
shining through the silken network. It was a purse of gold!

"Take it!" he said, in his soft silvery voice.

My heart fell abashed within me. I could scarce stammer forth a reply.
Had he but known my latest thoughts, he might have been able to read the
flush of shame that so suddenly mantled my cheeks.

"No, Monsieur," I replied; "this is too generous of you. I cannot
accept it."

"Come--come! Why not? Take it, I pray--try Fortune again. She has
frowned on you of late, but remember she is a fickle goddess, and may
yet smile on you. Take the purse, man!"

"Indeed, Monsieur, I cannot after what I--pardon me--if you knew--"

"Then must _I_ play for you--remember the purpose that brought us here!
Remember Aurore!"

"Oh!"

This ejaculation, wrung from my heart, was the only answer I could make,
before the young Creole had turned to the faro-table, and was placing
his gold upon the cards.

I stood watching him with feelings of astonishment and admiration,
mingled with anxiety for the result.

What small white hands! What a brilliant jewel, sparkling on his
finger--a diamond! It has caught the eyes of the players, who gloat
upon it as it passes back and forward to the cards. Chorley and Hatcher
have both noticed it. I saw them exchange their peculiar glance as they
did so. Both are polite to him. By the large bets he is laying he has
won their esteem. Their attention in calling out the card when he wins,