g acquired a shrewd judgment, and a tolerable
knowledge of mankind.

The conversation turned at once upon hunting, racing, steeple-chasing,
billiards, bets, and the like. It was evident that Howel, too, was well
initiated into such matters. Mr Rice Rice asked him when the question of
the hounds was to be decided, and Howel said that kennels were in
preparation, and that he hoped to have a first-rate pack by the winter.
There arose a dispute about a celebrated racer that Howel appeared to
possess in London, and that was expected daily at Abertewey. Howel
declared his intention of letting her run at the Carmarthen races.
Captain Dancy, having heavy stakes on the mare, vowed it might disable
her for the Derby, and words ran high; but Mr Deep interposed, and
changed the subject to that of _rouge et noir_.

They sat over the dinner-table till nearly eleven o'clock, by which time
they were all more or less exhilarated. Howel's wines were good, his
cellar was well stocked, and he was lavish of everything that might give
him a reputation amongst the Welsh squires that surrounded him, many of
whom still worshipped at the shrine of Bacchus.

When they joined the ladies, Owen thought the conversation was rather
too loud and boisterous. Captain Dancy alone was quite himself, and made
Netta sing some little French songs to Owen's great amusement. After tea
and coffee had been carried round, a card table appeared, and
_vingt-et-un_ was proposed. The stakes were so high that Owen trembled
for his small stock of wealth? but to his astonishment again, he found
himself, at the end of the evening, a gainer of nearly five pounds,
although he had been most moderate in his own stakes. He was struck with
the eagerness of Madame Duvet and Netta, who entered into the game with
all the avidity of accomplished gamblers.

It was very late when they finished the game, and nominally retired for
the night, but not late enough to prevent Howel, Captain Dancy, Mr Deep,
and Sir Samuel Spendall from sitting down again to whist. Owen left them
at it, not altogether satisfied with himself or his companions.

The following day, Owen again tried to get some private conversation
with Howel or Netta, but in vain. The breakfast was even later than the
previous morning, as Howel did not go out fishing, and afterwards there
were more distant calls to make, and Netta was engaged in preparing her
dress with her maid for a dinner-party at Mr Rice Rice's, at whic