Lady Tryon was for a moment silent. She recollected too well that on the previous night she had not only lost every shilling which she had at her bankers', but a considerable sum above it; not only that, but she had raised large sums at different times of late, which if she paid the principal would absorb the whole of her property. Should she pay her debts of honour, or buy the lottery tickets? Mr. Flockton's confident and glowing descriptions decided her on the latter course. When she got the lottery prize she would satisfy the debts she had incurred at cards. She took the tickets Mr. Flockton offered, giving him a cheque, which left her scarcely more that 50 pounds at her bankers'. Her greatest annoyance arose from her thus being unable to indulge in gambling till the day for drawing the lottery. Mr. Flockton handing the tickets to her ladyship, and buttoning up the cheque, took his departure. Scarcely had he gone, when a servant entered with an announcement that a person of a very suspicious appearance desired to see her ladyship. "I told him, my lady, that you were engaged, but he would take no denial." Lady Tryon, who was constitutionally brave, having Harry by her side, desired that the man might be shown up. He entered the room with a confident air, though perfectly respectful, and presented an official-looking document. "Why, it's to summon me to Bow Street police-office for gambling!" exclaimed Lady Tryon. "What is this? Are ladies and gentlemen not to be allowed to amuse themselves if they think fit?" "I have nothing to do with that, my lady," answered the man, "I have delivered the summons; this young gentleman and your servant are witness to that; the hour is mentioned on the paper. I've done my duty, I wish your ladyship good-morning." "Fearful impertinence!" exclaimed Lady Tryon. "What is the country coming to? Ladies of rank to be treated like criminals, and ordered about at the pleasure of police magistrates!" Harry was naturally considerably annoyed, at the same time he could not forget the scene of the previous evening, and he had heard that some very just enactments had lately been passed to put a stop to gambling, both public and private. "I will go instead of you," he said, "if that will answer." "No, I must go myself," she said, looking at the paper through her spectacles. "Fearful _impertinence_ of these people! Horrible indignity to be subjected to!"