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."

He spoke exactly as if Sylvia was a child. She felt piqued, and Madame
Wolsky stared at him rather haughtily. Still, she was grateful for his
intervention.

"We thank you, Monsieur," she said stiffly. "But I think we have been
here quite long enough."

He bowed, and again sat down.

"I will now take you a drive, Sylvia. We have had sufficient of this!"

Anna walked towards the door, and many were the curious glances now
turned after the two friends.

"It will amuse you to see something of Lacville. As that gentleman said,
I do not suppose you will ever come here again. And, as I shall spend
most of my time in the Casino, I can very well afford to spare a little
while out of it to-day!"

They made their way out of the great white building, Sylvia feeling
oppressed, almost bewildered, by her first taste of gambling.

It was three o'clock, and very hot. They hailed one of the little open
carriages which are among the innocent charms of Lacville.