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The Gaming Table by Andrew Steinmetz

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Lady gamestresses

CHAPTER X. page 13

Of other English gamestresses, however, nothing but the ordinary
success or inconveniences of gambling are recorded. In the year
1776, a lady at the West End lost one night, at a sitting, 3000
guineas at Loo.[100] Again, a lady having won a rubber of 20
guineas from a city merchant, the latter pulled out his pocket-
book, and tendered L21 in bank notes. The fair gamestress,
with a disdainful toss of the head, observed--`In the great
houses which I frequent, sir, we always use gold.' `That may be,
madam,' said the gentleman, `but, in the _LITTLE_ houses which I
frequent, we always use paper.'

[100] Annual Register.

Goldsmith mentions an old lady in the country who, having been
given over by her physician, played with the curate of the parish
to pass the time away. Having won all his money, she next
proposed playing for the funeral charges to which she would be
liable. Unfortunately, the lady expired just as she had taken up
the game!

A lady who was desperately fond of play was confessing herself.
The priest represented, among other arguments against gaming, the
great loss of time it occasioned. `Ah!' said the lady, `that is
what vexes me--so much time lost in shuffling the cards!'

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