It certainly is
not very clear; and perhaps, after I have prayed and slept, I may see
more plainly what is right."
Ashmead observed she was pale, and asked her, with concern, if she was
ill.
"No, not ill," said she, "but worn out. My friend, I knew not at the time
how great was my excitement; but now I am conscious that this afternoon I
have lived a week. My very knees give way under me."
Upon this admission, Ashmead hurried her to bed.
She slept soundly for some hours; but, having once awakened, she fell
into a half-sleepless state, and was full of dreams and fancies. These
preyed on her so, that she rose and dispatched a servant to Ashmead, with
a line in pencil begging him to take an early breakfast with her, at nine
o'clock.
As soon as ever he came she began upon the topic of last night. She had
thought it over, and said, frankly, she was not without hopes the
gentleman, if he was really a gentleman, might be contented with
something less than half. But she really did not see how she could refuse
him some share of her winnings, should he demand it. "Think of it," said
she. "The poor man loses--four hundred pounds, I think you said.
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