ed back. "Such language, Mr Newland--"

"Is what you deserve; ask your own conscience. Leave us, sir;" and I
walked on with Captain Atkinson.

"You have done well, Newland," observed Atkinson; "he cannot submit to
that language, for he knows that I have heard it. A meeting you will of
course have no objection to. It will be of immense advantage to you."

"None whatever," replied I; "for if there is any one man who deserves to
be punished for his conduct towards me, it is Harcourt. Will you come up,
Captain Atkinson; and, if not better engaged, take a quiet dinner and a
bottle of wine with me?"

Our conversation during dinner was desultory, but after the first bottle,
Atkinson became communicative, and his history not only made me feel
better inclined towards him, but afforded me another instance, as well
as Carbonnell's, how often it is that those who would have done well,
are first plundered, and then driven to desperation by the heartlessness
of the world. The cases, however, had this difference, that Carbonnell
had always contrived to keep his reputation above water, while that of
Atkinson was gone, and never to be re-established. We had just finished
our wine when a note was brought from Harcourt, informing me that he
should send a friend the next morning for an explanation of my conduct.
I handed it over to Atkinson. "My dear sir, I am at your service,"
replied he, "without you have anybody among your acquaintances whom
you may prefer."

"Thank you," replied I, "Captain Atkinson; it cannot be in better hands."

"That is settled, then; and now where shall we go?"

"Wherever you please."

"Then I shall try if I can win a little money to-night; if you come you
need not play--you can look on. It will serve to divert your thoughts,
at all events."

I felt so anxious to avoid reflection, that I immediately accepted his
offer, and, in a few minutes, we were in the well-lighted room, and in
front of the _rouge et noir_ table, covered with gold and bank notes.
Atkinson did not commence his play immediately, but pricked the chances
on a card as they ran. After half an hour he laid down his stakes, and
was fortunate. I could no longer withstand the temptation, and I backed
him; in less than an hour we both had won considerably.

"That is enough," said he to me, sweeping up his money; "we must not try
the slippery dame too long."

I followed his example, and shortly afterwards we quitted the house. "I
will walk ho