“It was like you to think of it,” Joe said, “but I don’t believe you could have raised the money anyhow. Aunt Ruth’s life was nearly as good as yours then, and you hadn’t really any security to offer, you silly darling.”
Barbara’s face fell. “I didn’t think of that, but surely I could have got £10,000 when I would have offered £30,000 in exchange,” she said sadly. “But it doesn’t matter now, does it?”
He hastened to reassure and comfort her.
“And you will never bet again?” she asked presently.
“I have sworn that I never will,” Joe answered. “I’ve had a lesson more severe than even I needed, I think.”
“If ever you want to have a teeny tiny bet,” she smiled, “I can do it for you, perhaps, if you’re good.”
“No, no,” he said seriously, “you must give it up too. I shall want you to help me to stick to my resolutions. Promise!”
“Very well,” she said, seeing how grave he looked; “I promise faithfully never to gamble again in any way, as long as I live.”
“Now we are safe!” he cried. “Indeed, I have used up all the luck one man can scrape together in a lifetime in winning you, and I shall think of that, if I am ever again tempted to stake anything on the chance of further kindness at the hands of Fortune.”