Otherwise, he was lucky as a mere gambler.

His audacity, and the funds he always had at his disposal, carried him triumphantly, where many a more prudent but less wealthy player withdrew from the contest.

Games of skill had no attraction for him, but at an earlier date in his career he had been a terror to the club-keepers in St.James's, where his luck and obstinacy had broken a dozen banks.

It was said--and very likely with truth--that he had once cut double or quits for ten thousand pounds.
His moral character, as respected the softer sex, was such as you might expect from these traits.

No modest woman had been seen at Crompton for many a year; although not a few such--if at least good birth and high position include modesty--had, since his majority, striven to give a lawful mistress to the place.