Sherry’s more personal affairs seemed to be on the mend too, his friends Revesby and Brockenhurst having counselled him to alter his habits a little. So instead of pursuing his ill fortune at Watier’s, where they played hazard and macao for stakes varying from ten shillings to two hundred pounds, he began to patronize a snug little establishment in Pall Mall, which was presided over by a charming female of considerable address, and where rouge et noir and roulette were extensively played. Sherry passed several successful evenings in this house, and began to nourish the hope that he would soon find himself up in the stirrups again. His uncle, hearing of this new departure, cast up his eyes, and said he washed his hands of the boy.
Others besides Prosper Verelst and Mr Stoke regarded Sherry’s gaming excesses with disfavour. Ferdy Fakenham, dining at Limmer’s Hotel with his brother and Mr Ringwood, actually said that something ought to be done about it, adding hopefully that he thought it might answer tolerably well if Gil spoke to Sherry. Mr Ringwood declined this office with great firmness, saying that he was not Sherry’s cousin.
“George might drop him a hint,” said Ferdy dubiously. “I wouldn’t set any store by what George said myself, but Sherry might.”
“Where is George?” asked the Honourable Marmaduke. “Thought he was dining with us tonight?”
Ferdy sighed. “No. He’s gone off to the Cowpers’ ball. Poor fellow! Don’t like to tell him, but the odds are shortening at the clubs: the time was when you could get tens anywhere against Severn’s coming up to scratch, but no one’s offering better than evens now, and I shouldn’t be at all surprised if before long it’s odds on.”
“Ah!” said Marmaduke profoundly. “What are the odds against the Milborne’s accepting him, though?”
Ferdy stared at him. “Wouldn’t find a taker, Duke.”
“Wouldn’t I, my tulip?” retorted his sapient brother. “Let me tell you that that fellow, Revesby, is a good deal fancied by the knowing ones. They say he’s been making the running these last few weeks.”
“You don’t mean it!” said Ferdy, thunderstruck.
“I never liked the Incomparable above half myself,” said Mr Ringwood, “but I never heard there was any harm in the girl, and I don’t believe it. She wouldn’t have him.”