Everything promised well; but one wet afternoon, in the interim
between the end of Lance's and that of Fulbert's holidays, Mr.
Audley, while coming down from a visit to Mrs. Underwood, fancied he
heard an ominous rattle, and opening the door suddenly, found
Fernando and Fulbert eagerly throwing the dice and with several
shillings before them.
Both started violently as he entered, and Fulbert put his arm and
hand round as if to hide the whole affair; while Fernando tried to
look composed.
All that the Curate said in his surprise was one sharp sentence.
'Fernando Travis, if you are to renounce the devil, you will have to
begin by throwing those dice into the fire.'
Fernando's eyes looked furious, and he swept the dice and the money
into his pocket--all but three shillings. Fulbert stole out of the
room quietly. No doubt these were his winnings, which he did not dare
to touch.
Mr. Audley took up a book and waited, fully expecting that sorrow
would follow; but Fernando did not speak; and when at length he did
on some indifferent matter, it was in his ordinary tone. Well, there
must be patience. No doubt repentance would come at night! No; the
evening passed on, and Fernando was ready for all their usual
occupations.
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