Some of the prettiest girls there offered to console me, for I was the best dancer in the room.

I made one attempt, but was too wretched to continue, and so remained alone all night in a state of agony.

I would have played, but I had no money; only the gold piece that my mother bade me always keep in my purse as a gentleman should.

I did not care for drink, or know the dreadful comfort of it in those days; but I thought of killing myself and Nora, and most certainly of making away with Captain Quin! At last, and at morning, the ball was over.

The rest of our ladies went off in the lumbering creaking old coach; Daisy was brought out, and Miss Nora took her place behind me, which I let her do without a word.