At cards he is equally strong; a past-master in all games of skill; and the play is apt to be rather high at one or two of the clubs he belongs to.

He has a wonderful power of self-restraint when he cares to exert it; will play six or seven hours every night for three weeks at a stretch, and then not touch a card for six months.

Poor old John," said Gilbert Fenton, with a half-regretful sigh; "under happy circumstances, he might be such a good man." "But I fear he is a dangerous friend for you, Gilbert," exclaimed Marian, horrified by this glimpse of bachelor life.
"No, darling, I have never shared his wilder pleasures.

There are a few chosen spirits with whom he consorts at such times.

I believe this Sir David Forster is one of them." "Sir David has the reputation of leading rather a wild life in London," said the Captain, "and of bringing a dissipated set down here every autumn.