"I cannot play for money," said Howland, colouring; for he felt really ashamed to acknowledge his scruples.
"And why not?" asked the friend of Boyd, looking him steadily in the face.
"Because I think it wrong," stammered out Howland, colouring still more deeply.
"Nonsense! Is not your money your own? What harm, then, is there in your doing with your own as you please?" urged the tempter.
"But I do not know enough of the game to risk my money."
"You don't think we would take advantage of your ignorance?" said Boyd. "The stake is only to give interest to the game. I would not give a copper for a game of cards without a stake. Come, put down your shilling; and we will promise to pay you back all you lose, if you wish it, until you acquire some skill."
But Thomas felt reluctant, and hesitated. Nevertheless, he was debating the matter in his mind seriously, and every moment that reluctance was growing weaker.
"Will you play?" asked Boyd in a decided tone, breaking in upon his debate.
"I had rather not," replied Thomas, trying to smile, so as to conciliate his false friends.
"You are afraid of your money," said Boyd, in a half-sneering tone.