University of Virginia Library

A NOBLE LORD AND A COMMONER, IN 1823.

A young and wealthy commoner, who seemed to vie with the pea-green in the desperate folly of getting rid of a suddenly obtained fortune of £130,000 in ready money, as fast as possible, and whose relish for the society of legs, bullies, and fighting men was equally notorious, went to the Fishmonger's Hall Club late one morning, much flushed with wine. The well-lighted avenues directed him to the French Hazard table. There was no play going on at the time, but at the entrance of this pigeon, who before had been drawn of a good round sum, the box and dice were soon put in

motion, and `seven's the main, seven,' was promptly the cry. A certain noble lord, who had been for years an experienced nurse of the dice, and who knew how to nick the mains or throw crabs, as well as the best leg in England, held the bow. The commoner commenced by backing the noble lord in. The noble lord threw out. He then backed the noble lord out, and the noble lord threw in. He backed the noble lord out again, who threw five to the main. The commoner betted the odds deeply at the rate of three to two. The noble lord threw the five. The commoner, uneasy, changed about, and backed the noble lord in for a large stake, — the noble lord then threw out. The commoner now rose in a rage, and insinuated broadly that he was cheated, robbed, and it could not be fair play. Of course much indignation was shown by the noble lord, and it was with difficulty that a fight was prevented; but his lordship, nevertheless, condescended to demonstrate that he played his own money at the time, and what he lost found its way into the bank, with which `he was not at all connected.' This reasoning satisfied the suspicious young commoner (poor easy man!); an apology was given; and peace was restored.