“Because I think you will, in all probability, avoid the gaming-table, which I should have taken you to myself had you been in possession of your fortune when I first knew you, and have had my share of your plucking; but now I do know you, I have that affection for you that I think it better you should not lose your all; for observe, Newland, my share of your spoliation would not be more than what I have, and may still receive, from you; and if you marry and settle down, there will always be a good house and a good table for me, as long as I find favour with your wife; and, at all events, a friend in need, that I feel convinced of.  So now you have my reasons; some smack of the disinterestedness of former days, others of my present worldliness; you may believe which you please.”  And the Major laughed as he finished his speech.

“Carbonnell,” replied I, “I will believe that the better feelings predominate—­that the world has made you what you are; and that had you not been ruined by the world, you would have been disinterested and generous; even now, your real nature often gains the ascendency, and I am sure that in all that you have done, which is not defensible, your poverty, and not your will, has consented.  Now, blunted by habit and time, the suggestion of conscience do not often give you any uneasiness.”

“You are very right, my dear fellow,” replied the Major; “and in having a better opinion of me than the world in general, you do me, I trust, no more than justice.  I will not squander your fortune, when you come to it, if I can help it; and you’ll allow that’s a very handsome promise on my part.”

“I’ll defy you to squander my fortune,” replied I, laughing.

“Nay, don’t defy me, Newland, for if you do, you’ll put me on my mettle.  Above all, don’t lay me a bet, for that will be still more dangerous.  We have only spent about four hundred of the thousand since we have lived together, which I consider highly economical.  What do you say, shall we go to Cheltenham?  You will find plenty of Irish girls, looking out for husbands, who will give you a warm reception.”

“I hate your fortune and establishment hunters,” replied I.

“I grant that they are looking out for a good match, so are all the world; but let me do them justice.  Although, if you proposed, in three days they would accept you; yet once married, they make the very best wives in the world.  But recollect we must go somewhere; and I think Cheltenham is as good a place as any other.  I do not mean for a wife, but—­it will suit my own views.”

This last observation decided me, and in a few days we were at Cheltenham; and having made our appearance at the rooms, were soon in the vortex of society.  “Newland,” said Carbonnell, “I dare say you find time hang rather heavy in this monotonous place.”

“Not at all,” replied I; “what with dining out, dancing, and promenading, I do very well.”

“But we must do better.  Tell me, are you a good hand at whist?”