The child sat by and watched it with a troubled mind. Losses and gains were to her alike. She only knew that the cards were evil things, and that now her quiet, happy life was at an end.
The storm had raged for full three hours, and now began to lull; but still the game went on, and still the poor child was forgotten.
The players sat for a long time at their game, and when it was over Isaac was the only winner, and Nell's little purse was quite empty.
"Do you know what the time is?" said Mr. Groves, who was smoking with his friends. "Past twelve o'clock."—"And a rainy night," added the stout man.
"'The Valiant Soldier,' by James Groves. Good beds. Cheap entertainment for man and beast," said Mr. Groves, quoting from his sign-board. "Half-past twelve o'clock."
"It's very late," said the uneasy child. "I wish we had gone before. What will they think of us? It will be two o'clock by the time we get back. What would it cost, sir, if we stopped here?"
"Two good beds, one-and-sixpence; supper and beer, one shilling; total, two shillings and sixpence," replied the landlord.
Now, Nell had still a piece of gold sewn in her dress, and when she thought of the lateness of the hour she made up her mind to remain. She therefore took her grandfather aside, and telling him that she had still enough left to pay for their lodging, said that they ought to stay there for the night.
"If I had but had that money before—if I had only known of it a few minutes ago!" muttered the old man.
"We will stop here, if you please," said Nell, turning to the landlord.