"I shall play a little," said Sylvia, blushing, "but of course I do not
want to get into the habit of gambling."
"No, indeed, that would be terrible! And then there are not many who can
afford to gamble and to lose their good money." She looked inquiringly at
Sylvia. "But, there," she sighed--her fat face became very grave--"it is
extraordinary 'ow some people manage to get money--I mean those 'oo are
determined to play!"
And then, changing the subject, Madame Wachner suddenly began to tell
her new acquaintance all about the tragic death by drowning of her and
her husband's friend at Aix-les-Bains the year before. She now spoke in
French, but with a peculiar guttural accent.
"I never talk of it before Fritz," she said quickly, "but, of course,
we both often think of it still. Oh, it was a terrible thing! We were
devoted to this young Russian friend of ours. He and Fritz worked an
excellent system together--the best Fritz ever invented--and for a little
while they made money. But his terribly sad death broke our luck"--she
shook her head ominously.
"How did it happen?" said Sylvia sympathetically.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134