They came at an unlucky season, a season of "ill luck!" such a miraculous run of it, as nothing could explain to any rational mind but loaded dice, packed cards, contrivance and conspiracy.

Nevertheless, our worthy John went on staking, and betting, and playing, resolute to break the bank, until it was no wonder at all to any but his own shrewd genius, that he found himself one feverish morning well nigh penniless.

At such a moment then, called our ladies-legatees, clamorous for hush-money.
As a matter most imperatively of course, not a farthing more should be forthcoming, and many oaths avouched that stern determination.

They ought to be ashamed of themselves, after such an enormous bribe to each--as if shame of any kind had part or lot in those feminine accomplices: it was a sanguine thought of Mr.John Dillaway.

But the ladies were not ashamed, nor silenced, nor any thing like satisfied.