"
"There's a short code of morals," observed Vizard, "for the use of
seminaries. Now let us hear Severne; he knows all the defenses of
gambling lunacy has discovered."
Severne, thus appealed to, said play was like other things, bad only when
carried to excess. "At Homburg, where the play is fair, what harm can
there be in devoting two or three hours of a long day to _trente et
quarante?_ The play exercises memory, judgment, _sangfroid,_ and other
good qualities of the mind. Above all, it is on the square. Now, buying
and selling shares without delivery, bulling, and bearing, and rigging,
and Stock Exchange speculations in general, are just as much gambling;
but with cards all marked, and dice loaded, and the fair player has no
chance. The world," said this youthful philosopher, "is taken in by
words. The truth is, that gambling with cards is fair, and gambling
without cards a swindle."
"He is hard upon the City," said the Vizard; "but no matter. Proceed,
young man. Develop your code of morals for the amusement of mankind,
while duller spirits inflict instruction."
"You have got my opinion," said Severne. "Oblige us with yours.
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