"They are a great resource to my mother," said Raymond. "Anne, you
are too tired to play?--No, Julius, the pack is not there; look in
the drawer of the chiffonier."

Julius handed the list he had been jotting down to Cecil, and
followed his brother, with his hands full of cards, unconscious of
the expression of dismay, almost horror, with which Anne was gazing
after him.

"Oh! let us be resolute!" she cried, as soon as the door was shut.
"Do not let us touch the evil thing!"

"Cards?" said Cecil. "If Mrs. Poynsett cannot be amused without
them, I suppose we shall have to learn. I always heard she was such
an intellectual woman."

"But we ought to resist sin, however painful it may be," said Anne,
gathering strength; "nay, even if a minister sets the example of
defection."

"You think it wicked," said Cecil. "Oh no, it is stupid and silly,
and an absurd waste of time, but no more."

"Yes, it is," said Anne. "Cards are the bane of thousands."

"Oh yes, gambling and all that; but to play in the evening to amuse
an invalid can have no harm in it."

"An invalid and aged woman ought to have her mind set upon better