e the Lady Castlewood abroad in it, and did so
many times, and at a rapid pace, greatly to his companion's enjoyment,
who loved the swift motion and the healthy breezes over the downs which
lie hard upon Castlewood, and stretch thence towards the sea. As this
amusement was very pleasant to her, and her lord, far from showing
any mistrust of her intimacy with Lord Mohun, encouraged her to be his
companion--as if willing by his present extreme confidence to make up
for any past mistrust which his jealousy had shown--the Lady Castlewood
enjoyed herself freely in this harmless diversion, which, it must be
owned, her guest was very eager to give her; and it seemed that she grew
the more free with Lord Mohun, and pleased with his company, because of
some sacrifice which his gallantry was pleased to make in her favor.

Seeing the two gentlemen constantly at cards still of evenings, Harry
Esmond one day deplored to his mistress that this fatal infatuation
of her lord should continue; and now they seemed reconciled together,
begged his lady to hint to her husband that he should play no more.

But Lady Castlewood, smiling archly and gayly, said she would speak to
him presently, and that, for a few nights more at least, he might be let
to have his amusement.

"Indeed, madam," said Harry, "you know not what it costs you; and 'tis
easy for any observer who knows the game, to see that Lord Mohun is by
far the stronger of the two."

"I know he is," says my lady, still with exceeding good-humor; "he is
not only the best player, but the kindest player in the world."

"Madam, madam!" Esmond cried, transported and provoked. "Debts of honor
must be paid some time or other; and my master will be ruined if he goes
on."

"Harry, shall I tell you a secret?" my lady replied, with kindness and
pleasure still in her eyes. "Francis will not be ruined if he goes on;
he will be rescued if he goes on. I repent of having spoken and thought
unkindly of the Lord Mohun when he was here in the past year. He is full
of much kindness and good; and 'tis my belief that we shall bring him
to better things. I have lent him 'Tillotson' and your favorite
'Bishop Taylor,' and he is much touched, he says; and as a proof of his
repentance--(and herein lies my secret)--what do you think he is doing
with Francis? He is letting poor Frank win his money back again. He hath
won already at the last four nights; and my Lord Mohun says that he will
not be the means of