He laid down the few cards that remained to be dealt, and opened his hands over the table, so that she could not gather up those already distributed.
"But I shall not deal again," he said, "the deal is so near complete. And there is no rule, and my cigar is finished."
Dodo gave a little suppressed squeal of laughter.
"No, go on, sir," she said. "We don't mind."
He raised his hands.
"So there you are, Sophy!" he said. "You were wrong, and there is no rule. Do not touch the cards, while I get my fresh cigar. They are very good: I will take one to bed."
He slowly got up.
"But finish your deal first," she said. "You keep us all waiting."
He slowly sat down.
"Ladies must have their own way," he said. "But men also, and now I shall have to get up once more for my cigar."