I was dazzled, maybe, by the glare of so much gold.

I needed more; and so I lost all.

That is evil enough.

But there is worse.

I may be called upon to make restitution of what I had from the company without paying for it--I may give all that's left me and barely cover the amount, and I may starve and be damned thereafter." Her ladyship's face was ghastly.