me, are you a good hand at whist?"

"Not by any means. Indeed, I hardly know the game."

"It is a fashionable and necessary accomplishment. I must make you
master of it, and our mornings shall be dedicated to the work."

"Agreed," replied I, and from that day, every morning after breakfast
till four o'clock, the major and I were shut up, playing two dummies
under his instruction. Adept as he was, I very soon learnt all the
finesse and beauty of the game.

"You will do now, Newland," said the major one morning, tossing the
cards away. "Recollect, if you are asked to play, and I have agreed, do
not refuse; but we must always play against each other."

"I don't see what we shall gain by that," replied I: "for if I win,
you'll lose."

"Never do you mind that; only follow my injunctions, and play as high as
they choose. We only stay here three weeks longer, and must make the
most of our time."

I confess I was quite puzzled at what might be the major's intentions;
but that night we sauntered into the club. Not having made our
appearance before, we were considered as new hands by those who did not
know the major, and were immediately requested to make up a game. "Upon
my word, gentlemen, in the first place, I play very badly," replied the
major; "and in the next," continued he, laughing, "if I lose, I never
shall pay you, for I'm cleaned out."

The way in which the major said this only excited a smile; he was not
believed, and I was also requested to take a hand. "I'll not play with
the major," observed I, "for he plays badly, and has bad luck into the
bargain; I might as well lay my money down on the table."

This was agreed to by the other parties, and we sat down. The first
rubber of short whist was won by the major and his partner: with the
bets it amounted to eighteen pounds. I pulled out my purse to pay the
major; but he refused, saying, "No, Newland, pay my partner; and with
you, sir," said he, addressing my partner, "I will allow the debt to
remain until we rise from the table. Newland, we are not going to let
you off yet, I can tell you."

I paid my eighteen pounds, and we recommenced. Although his partner did
not perhaps observe it, for he was but an indifferent player, or if he
did observe it, had the politeness not to say anything, the major now
played very badly. He lost three rubbers one after another, and, with
bets and stakes, they amounted to one hundred and forty pounds. At the
end