"Red wins!" said the dealer.
He breathed again, and looked round to smile at Frank; but that worthy had again departed to negociate the sale of his dinner.
Yes; this dinner, so cherished, so anticipated, paid for in advance, on which the imagination had luxuriated as on a kingly banquet; this dinner was sold for a miserable trifle, that he might risk one more coup at that table where so many men had ruined themselves before!
Cecil continued in luck until Frank returned; this time with no hilarity on his face, but a quiet gravity, which seemed prepared for the worst; and when he lost the last shilling he broke out into a short, sharp, hysterical laugh, and turning to Cecil, said with forced calmness,—
"I shall not dine to-day."
"Pleasant game this, sir," said the bushy-whiskered gentleman, coming up to where Frank sat, "take a pinch of snuff, sir?" Frank accepted with grace, and began chatting with the smiling gentleman, who was very communicative, and informed Frank that he had that afternoon won no less than ten half-crowns by backing the red.
"Quite right, sir," said Frank, "red is the colour."
"No doubt about it."
"Yes, yes. By the way, you haven't a half-crown about you at this minute, have you? I am cleared out for the day."
"Why, I certainly have such a thing, but..."