MLLE. FIFI.

Oh, but _no_, my dear! I have lost _enormously_! It is _terrible_ what I've done! I have lost nearly _all_ I have!

MLLE. NINA.

(_Who has just arrived behind the banker, leaning over his shoulder and watching him win an enormous coup._) Ah, ha! You see, Monsieur, I bring you good fortune always!

THE BANKER.

I didn't know you were behind me, mademoiselle. (_He looks up. She smiles sweetly and innocently. He is pleased._)

MLLE. NINA.

Oh, yes, for a long time!

THE BANKER.

You don't play?

MLLE. NINA.

(_With a manner altogether modest, and a soft, low voice._) Oh, no; never! I have nothing to risk; besides, it doesn't amuse me very much.

I never play.

THE BANKER.

Put on that hundred francs just to try your fortune.

MLLE. NINA.

(_Leaning over, takes the note from the pile._) If you wish it. (_She plays and wins; brushes his cheek and shoulder with her arm as she reaches over to take up her money._)

(_The play continues._)

MLLE. NINA.

(_Still winning._) You know you are very nice. (_She plays again with a note from the banker's pile._)

III

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING, _of Rochester, New York._

Do you play?

MRS. WM. H. LANE, _of Brooklyn_.

No, not really. I don't quite approve of it, but I just try my luck once in awhile for amus.e.m.e.nt.

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING.

Yes, that's exactly the way I feel. So long as you don't go in for it seriously I don't see any harm.

MRS. WM. H. LANE.

And if you stop as soon as you begin to lose.

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING.

Yes, indeed! Oh my! are you putting one down?

MRS. WM. H. LANE.

Yes, I think that man looks lucky over there with the gla.s.ses; besides I like him because his wife sits right by him all the evening.

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING.

(_Smiling nervously and fumbling in her glove where she has concealed the money to have it conveniently ready._) Put one down for me, too; will you? (_She smiles hysterically._) Dear me, I wonder what my husband would say if he could see me?

MRS. WM. H. LANE.

I don't know a single thing about the game; do you?

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING.

(_With two small red spots coming into her cheeks._) Not the slightest.

It's finished! I wonder who's won!

MRS. WM. LANE.

(_After a long excited sigh._) I don't know. I never can tell till I see them either taking up our chips, or else paying us!

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING.

(_Breathlessly._) If I lose, I shall go.

MRS. WM. H. LANE.

So shall I! We've won!

MRS. HENRY B. GORDING.

Ah! -- -- -- --.

MRS. WM. H. LANE.