t. By-the-by, Newland, I
committed a great error last night at the club. I played pretty high,
and lost a great deal of money."
"That is unfortunate."
"That was not the error; I actually paid all my losings, Newland, and it
has reduced the stock amazingly, I lost seven hundred and fifty pounds.
I know I ought not to have paid away your money; but the fact was, as I
was hedging, it would not do not to have paid, as I could not have made
up my book as I wished. It is, however, only waiting a few weeks, till
Mrs M-- decides my fate, and then, either one way or the other, I shall
have money enough. If your people won't give you any more till you are
of age, why we must send to a little friend of mine, that's all, and you
shall borrow for both of us."
"Borrow!" replied I, not much liking the idea; "they will never lend me
money."
"Won't they?" replied the major; "no fear of that. Your signature, and
my introduction, will be quite sufficient."
"We had better try to do without it, major; I do not much like it."
"Well, if we can, we will; but I have not fifty pounds left in my desk;
how much have you?"
"About twenty," replied I, in despair at this intelligence; "but I think
there is a small sum left at the banker's; I will go and see." I took
up my hat and set off, to ascertain what funds we might have in store.
PART TWO, CHAPTER FOUR.
I AM OVER HEAD AND EARS IN TROUBLE ABOUT A LADY'S EAR-RING--COMMIT
MYSELF SADLY, AND AM VERY NEARLY COMMITTED.
I must say, that I was much annoyed at this intelligence. The
money-lenders would not be satisfied unless they knew where my estates
were, and had examined the will at Doctors' Commons; then all would be
exposed to the major, and I should be considered by him as an impostor.
I walked down Pall Mall in a very unhappy mood, so deep in thought, that
I ran against a lady, who was stepping out of her carriage at a
fashionable shop. She turned round, and I was making my best apologies
to a very handsome woman, when her ear-rings caught my attention. They
were of alternate coral and gold, and the facsimile in make to the chain
given by Nattee to Fleta. During my last visit, I had often had the
chain in my hand, and particularly marked the workmanship. To make more
sure, I followed her into the shop, and stood behind her, carefully
examining them, as she looked over a quantity of laces. There could be
no doubt. I waited till the lady rose to go away, and th
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