sympathy. "It's a doosed disagreeable
thing--a very disagreeable thing indeed," said Doodles. Archie, who did
not wish to be regarded as specially unfortunate, declined to look at
the matter in this light; but Doodles insisted. "It would cut me up like
the very mischief;" he said. "I know that; and the worst of it is, that
perhaps you wouldn't have gone on, only for me. I meant it all for the
best, old fellow! I did, indeed. There--that's the game to you. I'm
playing uncommonly badly this morning; but the truth is, I'm thinking of
those women." Now, as Doodles was playing for a little money, this was
really civil on his part.

And he would persevere in talking about the Spy, as though there were
something in his remembrance of the lady which attracted him
irresistibly to the subject. He had always boasted that in his interview
with her he had come off with the victory, nor did he now cease to make
such boasts; but still he spoke of her and her powers with an awe which
would have completely opened the eyes of any one a little more sharp on
such matters than Archie Clavering. He was so intent on this subject
that he sent the marker out of the room so that he might discuss it with
more freedom, and might plainly express his views as to her influence on
his friend's fate.

"By George! she's a wonderful woman. Do you know I can't help thinking
of her at night? She keeps me awake-she does, upon my honor."

"I can't say she keeps me awake, but I wish I had my seventy pounds back
again."

"Do you know, if I were you, I shouldn't grudge it? I should think it
worth pretty nearly all the money to have had the dealing with her."

"Then you ought to go halves."

"Well, yes--only that I ain't flush, I would. When one thinks of it, her
absolutely taking the notes out of your waistcoat pocket--upon my-word,
it's beautiful! She'd have had it out of mine if I hadn't been doosed
sharp."

"She understood what she was about, certainly."

"What I should like to know is this: did she or did she not tell Lady
Ongar what she was to do--about you, I mean? I dare say she did, after
all."

"And took my money for nothing."

"Because you didn't go high enough, you know."

"But that was your fault. I went as high as you told me."

"No you didn't, Clavvy, not if you remember. But the fact is, I don't
suppose you could go high enough. I shouldn't be surprised if such a
woman as that wanted--thousands! I shouldn't indeed. I shall never
f