head,
and sword by side. He greeted both the young men with much politeness:
one not more than the other. "If you were to come to us--and I, for one,
cordially rejoice to see you--what a pity it is you did not come a few
months earlier! A certain evening at piquet would then most likely never
have taken place. A younger son would have been more prudent."

"Yes, indeed," said Harry.

"Or a kinsman more compassionate. But I fear that love of play runs in
the blood of all of us. I have it from my father, and it has made me the
poorest peer in England. Those fair ladies whom you see before you are
not exempt. My poor brother Will is a martyr to it; and what I, for my
part, win on one day, I lose on the next. 'Tis shocking, positively, the
rage for play in England. All my poor cousin's bank-notes parted company
from me within twenty-four hours after I got them."

"I have played, like other gentlemen, but never to hurt myself, and
never indeed caring much for the sport," remarked Mr. Warrington.

"When we heard that my lord had played with Harry, we did so scold him,"
cried the ladies.

"But if it had not been I, thou knowest, cousin Warrington, some other
person would have had thy money. 'Tis a poor consolation, but as such
Harry must please to take it, and be glad that friends won his money,
who wish him well, not strangers, who cared nothing for him, and fleeced
him."

"Eh! a tooth out is a tooth out, though it be your brother who pulls it,
my lord!" said Mr. George, laughing. "Harry must bear the penalty of his
faults, and pay his debts, like other men."

"I am sure I have never said or thought otherwise. 'Tis not like an
Englishman to be sulky because he is beaten," says Harry.

"Your hand, cousin! You speak like a man!" cries my lord, with delight.
The ladies smiled to each other.

"My sister, in Virginia, has known how to bring up her sons as
gentlemen!" exclaims Lady Castlewood, enthusiastically.

"I protest you must not be growing so amiable now you are poor, cousin
Harry!" cries cousin Fanny. "Why, mamma, we did not know half his good
qualities when he was only Fortunate Youth and Prince of Virginia! You
are exactly like him, cousin George, but I vow you can't be as amiable
as your brother!"

"I am the Prince of Virginia, but I fear I am not the Fortunate Youth,"
said George, gravely.

Harry was beginning, "By Jove, he is the best----" when the noise of a
harpsichord was heard from the upper room. Th