“I seldom go to London,” said Amy.
“Why, a fellow told me that some scandal-monger or other was setting it about that I am very fast, that I gamble.”
“Oh! that is dreadful,” said Miss Somerton, quickly. “That you are a gambler?”
“Yes—fact, ’pon my life,” said Richard.
“They could not say anything worse about you than that, Mr. Tallant. A gambler, I think, is the most despicable creature.”
“Of course,” said Richard, looking at Miss Somerton with a curious expression of face.
“Since we have had one quotation, perhaps you will pardon another that has direct reference to this point—a line from Talfourd. I have been reading about gaming lately.”
Miss Somerton looked earnestly at Mr. Tallant, for now she was sure he had heard what she had said in the summer-house.
“Indeed! Pray enlighten us,” said Mr. Tallant.
“Gaming, sir, for its own sake, will destroy the noblest nature, and ruin the wealthiest.