Captain Dancy alone was quite himself, and made Netta sing some little French songs to Owen's great amusement.

After tea and coffee had been carried round, a card table appeared, and _vingt-et-un_ was proposed.

The stakes were so high that Owen trembled for his small stock of wealth?
but to his astonishment again, he found himself, at the end of the evening, a gainer of nearly five pounds, although he had been most moderate in his own stakes.

He was struck with the eagerness of Madame Duvet and Netta, who entered into the game with all the avidity of accomplished gamblers.
It was very late when they finished the game, and nominally retired for the night, but not late enough to prevent Howel, Captain Dancy, Mr Deep, and Sir Samuel Spendall from sitting down again to whist.

Owen left them at it, not altogether satisfied with himself or his companions.
The following day, Owen again tried to get some private conversation with Howel or Netta, but in vain.