Stories By English Authors: Italy (Selected by Scribners) by Unknown
page 12 of 138 (08%)
page 12 of 138 (08%)
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"This has been my best day of all, Johnny," he said. "See, I have won two thousand pounds; and you shall have a hundred of it." But Maitland refused to have anything to do with such ill-gotten gains, for which, too, his young master was sacrificing his health, and perhaps his life. Still--though this did not strike Richard till afterward--he could not help regarding the great heap of gold with considerable interest. Added to the lad's previous gains, the amount was now very large indeed--more than five thousand pounds. "I should really think, Master Richard, as you had now won enough." "Enough? Certainly not. I have not broken the bank yet. I mean to do that before I've done with it, Johnny." "That will be after you've killed yourself," said honest John. "Well, then I shall die _rich_," was the reckless rejoinder. Richard, who was too exhausted for repose, tossed and tumbled on his bed for hours, and eventually dropped into a heavy slumber, and slept far into the next morning. He awoke feeling very unwell, but his chief anxiety was lest he should miss the opening of the tables; he was always the first to begin. He rang his bell violently for Maitland. There was no reply, and when he rang again, one of the hotel servants came up. "Where is my man?" he inquired. |
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