THE GAMING TABLE.
The cards had been in constant motion,--either two or three, or more,
engaged with them during the whole of the evening. The card party was
now augmented to about sixteen or eighteen, all players and betters,
not one of whom could boast of such a thing as a shirt, save the
landlord, who at this moment presided as director in chief of the
ceremonies, every deference being paid to the lord of the house, as
"Master this," and "Master that," and "Master the other."
Twopence to fourpence was the sum which each put down at every stake,
and it was astonishing to observe how rapidly the coins were
transported from one pocket to another.
"D---- it," says a match-seller, "there goes eighteenpence. I brought
in two shillings; I'll now not have enough left for my Sunday's
dinner."
All this was said with the most perfect good humour, and at the same
time putting down the other stake.
Occasionally one of those fiend-like looks, which are said to be so
conspicuous at the splendid hells, might be seen stealing even across
this low swindling table. But, upon the whole, the party was very
sociable, winning and losing their money with the utmost equanimity of
temper.
We observed more than one put down their last penny, and then light
their pipes and walk out, puffing and humming away, in search of more.
[Illustration]