“Be it so. And now for my turn,” said Travers, who was really a first-rate player, and at length began to feel interested in the result.
The move he made exhibited so much of skill, that Kate foresaw that the fortune of the day was about to change. She leaned her brow upon her hand, and deliberated long on the move; and at length, lifting her head, she said—
“I should like much to beat you—but in fair fight, remember—no courtesy nor favour.”
“I can spare neither,” said Travers, smiling.
“Then, defeat is no dishonour. There's my move.”
“And mine,” cried Fred, as rapidly.
“What prevents my taking you? I see nothing.”
“Nor I either,” said he, half chagrined, for his move was an oversight.
“You are too proud to ask quarter—of course, you are—or I should say, take it back.”
“No, Kate, no,” whispered Herbert, whose excitement was at the highest.