For some time past I have feared my father was in trouble.

Do you think I am afraid?
Please tell me all." "In a word, then, my dear," said the old lawyer, with a sigh, "I am afraid your father has been speculating, and, like ninety-nine out of a hundred that do so, has been losing.

It is like playing against the bank at Monte Carlo; one man may break it, but the advantage is on the bank's side, and for the one who wins thousands lose.

Can you tell me if there are any grounds for my apprehension ?" Ida was silent for a moment as she recalled her father's manner of late, his habit of shutting himself up in the library, of keeping his letters from her, of secreting papers, and, above all, the furtive glances which she had now and again seen him cast at her.
"I am afraid that it is only too true," she said.

"My poor father! What is to be done, Mr.Wordley?
Can I do anything ?" The old man shook his head.