Severne, thus appealed to, said play was like other things, bad only when carried to excess. “At Homburg, where the play is fair, what harm can there be in devoting two or three hours of a long day to _trente et quarante?_ The play exercises memory, judgment, _sangfroid,_ and other good qualities of the mind. Above all, it is on the square. Now, buying and selling shares without delivery, bulling, and bearing, and rigging, and Stock Exchange speculations in general, are just as much gambling; but with cards all marked, and dice loaded, and the fair player has no chance. The world,” said this youthful philosopher, “is taken in by words. The truth is, that gambling with cards is fair, and gambling without cards a swindle.” “He is hard upon the City,” said the Vizard; “but no matter. Proceed, young man. Develop your code of morals for the amusement of mankind, while duller spirits inflict instruction.” “You have got my opinion,” said Severne. “Oblige us with yours.” “No; mine would not be popular just now: I reserve it till we are there, and can see the lunatics at work.” “Oh, then we are to go,” cried Fanny. “Oh, be joyful!” “That depends on Miss Maitland. It is not in my department.” Instantly four bright eyes were turned piteously on the awful Maitland. “Oh, aunt,” said Zoe, pleadingly, “do you think there would be any great harm in our--just for once in a way?” “My dear,” said Miss Maitland, solemnly, “I cannot say that I approve of public gambling in general. But at Homburg the company is select. I have seen a German prince, a Russian prince, and two English countesses, the very _e'lite_ of London society, seated at the same table in the Kursaal. I think, therefore, there can be no harm in your going, under the conduct of older persons--myself, for example, and your brother.” “Code three,” suggested Vizard--“the chaperonian code.” “And a very good one, too,” said Zoe. “But, aunt, must we look on, or may we play just a little, little?” “My dear, there can be no great harm in playing a little, in _good company_--if you play with your own money.” She must have one dig at Severne. “I shan't play very deep, then,” said Fanny; “for I have got no money hardly.” Vizard came to the front, like a man. “No more should I,” said he, “but for Herries & Co. As it is, I am a Croesus, and I shall stand one hundred pounds, which you three ladies must divide; and between you, no doubt, you will break the bank.” Acclamations greeted this piece of misogyny. When they had subsided, Severne was called on to explain the game, and show the young ladies how to win a fortune with thirty-three pounds six shillings and eight pence. The table was partly cleared, two packs of cards sent for, and the professor lectured.