‘I hear you are in the habit of playing écarté,’ he said. ‘To-night you shall play with me. But I do not play for counters, like Mr. Buckhurst; I play for francs.’
‘That will be even more delightful!’ exclaimed Sophia excitedly. ‘Mr. Buckhurst would not play me for francs. He said that gambling was not a proper employment for children. I am so glad you disagree with him. How delightful it will be to play for real money!’
‘You shall see. Perhaps losing is not so pleasant as winning.’
‘But it will surely be exciting,’ said Sophia.
The Prince dined at six, and after dinner he sent for his daughter.
‘I have twenty francs, and some pennies,’ she said, turning out her purse. ‘That will last a long time. I have been saving up, which is slow work; but perhaps in this way I shall soon get twenty more.’
‘Perhaps,’ said her father. ‘What were you saving up for?’
Sophia flushed a little.
‘A Christmas present for Bob,’ she said.
Prince Demetrius found no reply handy, and he cut for deal.