Mr. Malthus," returned the Prince. "He struck me as a man of a
very original disposition."

The young man of the cream tarts was in the room, but painfully
depressed and silent. His late companions sought in vain to lead
him into conversation.

"How bitterly I wish," he cried, "that I had never brought you to
this infamous abode! Begone, while you are clean-handed. If you
could have heard the old man scream as he fell, and the noise of
his bones upon the pavement! Wish me, if you have any kindness to
so fallen a being - wish the ace of spades for me to-night!"

A few more members dropped in as the evening went on, but the club
did not muster more than the devil's dozen when they took their
places at the table. The Prince was again conscious of a certain
joy in his alarms; but he was astonished to see Geraldine so much
more self-possessed than on the night before.

"It is extraordinary," thought the Prince, "that a will, made or
unmade, should so greatly influence a young man's spirit."

"Attention, gentlemen!" said the President, and he began to deal.

Three times the cards went all round the table, and neither of the
marked cards had yet fallen from his hand. The excitement as he
began the fourth distribution was overwhelming. There were just
cards enough to go once more entirely round. The Prince, who sat
second from the dealer's left, would receive, in the reverse mode
of dealing practised at the club, the second last card. The third