to prove that even the wisest and best are at times 'weak and
foolish.' I think the knowledge of card-playing can result in no
harm to you, shielded as you will be, but it might to your brother.
Miss Marsden," asked he, abruptly, "do you know how many professional
gamblers there are in the world?"

"No."

"I do not remember the estimated number accurately, but it is very
large. They often revel in wealth, but they do not make it out of
each other. It is from the unwary, the 'weak and foolish' who think
they can win money by playing a fair game. They are permitted to
win just enough to turn their heads, and then are robbed. Remorse,
despair, and suicide too often follow. Cards are the usual means
employed in these great wrongs. I should be sorry to see a young
brother of mine, who was soon to face the temptations of the world,
go away with a knowledge that has been the ruin of so many."

This was bringing the question home to Lottie in a way that she
did not expect. Her heedless, wilful, impulsive brother, the dear
torment of her life, was just the one an artful knave could mislead.
For a moment or two she sat silent and thoughtful. All awaited her
answer save Mr. Dimmerly, who, without his whist, had dropped off
into a doze, as was his wont. Then her decided character asserted
itself, and she spoke sincerely for the moment.

"I do not believe in the safety of ignorance. If a young man is weak
and bad enough to gamble, he will do it with something else, if not
cards. From what I hear, men bet and gamble with all uncertainties.
The most innocent things are carried to vulgar and wicked excess.