Band books

She took up the forty francs with a curious thrill of joy and fear.
But then an untoward little incident took place. One of the liveried
men-servants stepped forward. "Has Madame got her card of membership?"
he inquired smoothly.
Sylvia blushed painfully. No, she had not got a card of membership--and
there had been an implied understanding that she was only to look on, not
play.
She felt terribly ashamed--a very unusual feeling for Sylvia Bailey--and
the gold pieces she held in her hand, for she had not yet put them in her
purse, felt as if they burnt her.
But she found a friend, a defender in an unexpected quarter. The Count
rose from the table. He said a few words in a low tone to the servant,
and the man fell back.
"Of course, this young lady may play," he addressed Anna, "and as Banker
I wish her all good luck! This is probably her first and her last visit
to Lacville." He smiled pleasantly, and a little sadly. Sylvia noticed
that he had a low, agreeable voice.
"Take her away, Madame, when she has won a little more! Do not give her
time to lose what she has won.


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