He gave a short laugh.

"The doctrine of faith! I'm afraid I've outgrown it--many years ago."

"_Faites vos jeux, messieurs_," intoned the croupier.

The Englishman tossed a coin on to number nine. Ann followed the circlings
of the ball with a curious tense anxiety. She wished desperately that the
nine would turn up.

_"Numero un!"_

With a feeling akin to revolt she watched those who had staked on number
one grab up their winnings, while the croupier raked in the Englishman's
solitary bid for fortune.

"You see?" The bitter grey eyes mocked her. "Quite symbolical, wasn't it?"

With a slight bow he moved away from the table and passed quickly out of
the room.

Ann felt disinclined to play any further. She watched Tony win, then lose
once, then win again several times in succession. He was flushed and there
was a look of triumph on his face.

"Haven't you finished yet, Tony?" she asked at last "I'm ready to go home
when you are."

"Go home? When I'm winning?" he expostulated. "Rather not!" Then, catching
sight of her face, "Hello! You look tired. Are you, Ann?"