s nobody here whom I esteem more than yourself, I am
obliged to refuse your offer." "Well," replied Miss Simmons, "that need
not disturb you; for you shall play upon my account, and that you may do
without any violation of your principles."

Thus was Harry, though with some reluctance, induced to sit down to
cards with the rest. The game, indeed, he found no difficulty in
learning; but he could not help remarking, with wonder, the extreme
solicitude which appeared in the face of all the players at every change
of fortune. Even the young ladies, all but Miss Simmons, seemed to be
equally sensible of the passion of gaining money with the rest; and some
of them behaved with a degree of asperity which quite astonished him.
After several changes of fortune, it happened that Miss Simmons and
Harry were the only remaining players; all the rest, by the laws of the
game, had forfeited all pretensions to the stake, the property of which
was clearly vested in these two, and one more deal was wanting to decide
it. But Harry, with great politeness, rose from the table, and told Miss
Simmons, that, as he only played upon her account, he was no longer
wanted, and that the whole undoubtedly belonged to her. Miss Simmons
refused to take it; and when she found that Harry was not to be induced
to play any more, she at last proposed to him to divide what was left.
This also Harry declined, alleging that he had not the least title to
any part. But Miss Simmons, who began to be uneasy at the remarks which
this extraordinary contest occasioned, told Harry that he would oblige
her by taking his share of the money, and laying it out in any manner
for her that he judged best. "On this condition," answered Harry, "I
will take it; and I think I know a method of laying it out, which you
will not entirely disapprove."

The next day, as soon as breakfast was over, Harry disappeared; nor was
he come back when the company were assembled at dinner. At length he
came in, with a glow of health and exercise upon his face, and that
disorder of dress which is produced by a long journey. The young ladies
eyed him with great contempt, which seemed a little to disconcert him;
but Mr Merton speaking to him with great good-humour, and making room
for him to sit down, Harry soon recovered from his confusion.

In the evening, after a long conversation among the young people, about
public diversions and plays, and actors, and dancers, they happened to
mention the