Prev | Current Page 115 | Next

Lowndes, Marie Adelaide Belloc, 1868-1947

"The Chink in the Armour"

"There 'as never been a system
invented in connection with that devil-game, Roulette, that L'Ami Fritz
does not know, and that 'e 'as not--at some time or other--played more to
'is satisfaction than to mine!" But she spoke very good-humouredly. "'E
cannot ring many changes on Baccarat, and I do not often allow 'im to
play downstairs. No, no, that is too dangerous! That is for children and
fools!"
Sylvia was still too ignorant of play to understand the full significance
of Madame Wachner's words, but she was vaguely interested, though she
could not understand one word of the eager talk between Anna and the man.
"Let us leave them at it!" exclaimed the older woman, suddenly. "It will
be much nicer in the garden, Madame, for it is not yet too 'ot for out of
doors. By the way, I forgot to tell you my name. That was very rude of
me! My name is Wachner--Sophie Wachner, at your service."
"And my name is Bailey--Sylvia Bailey."
"Ah, I thought so--you are a Mees!"
"No," said Sylvia gravely, "I am a widow."
Madame Wachner's face became very serious.
"Ah," she said, sympathetically, "that is sad--very sad for one so young
and so beautiful!"
Sylvia smiled.


Pages:
103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127