Halsey plunged back into the game, now with Bella holding a hand. He played recklessly, then conservatively. It made no difference. The cards seemed always against him. Constance began really to feel alarmed at his manner.
Once, however, he chanced to look up at her. Something in her face must have impressed him. Turning, he flung down the cards in disgust. "That's enough for to-night," he exclaimed, rising and draining another glass on the tray.
"Luck will come your way soon again," urged Bella. "It all averages up in the end, you know. It has to."
"How did you enjoy the evening!" insinuated Bella.
"Very much," replied Constance enthusiastically. "It is so exciting, you know."
"You must come again when more of my friends are here."
"I should like to. But to-night was very nice."
Halsey looked at her contemplatively. She had risen to go. As she took a step or two toward the door, still facing them, she found Halsey at her side.
"Shall we go over to Jack's for a bite to eat?" he whispered.
There was as much of appeal in his undertone as of invitation.