He had staked all he had on the chances of the weather and had lost.

It was his first failure and came as a rude shock to his self-confidence.

He felt shaken and disgusted with himself, for it looked as if he had been a rash fool.

Still, if rain came now, he might save enough to obviate the necessity of using Helen's money.

She would give him all he asked for, but this was a matter about which he felt strongly, and she knew his point of view.
Driving on, he met the mail-carrier, who gave him a letter.