On the retirement of Aline and Victor, the Princess had sent out for two others to take their places; but when at three o’clock Blanche also rose, she sent in vain for another. Play had ceased in the large room, and there was positively no one there. Half an hour afterwards two others got up, and the Princess, looking round the table, saw that weariness sat on all faces.
She rose at once.
‘Do not let me detain you, ladies and gentlemen, if any of you wish to go,’ she said. ‘I am infinitely obliged to you for your charming company. The storm, I think, is passing over; you can get to your hotels without a drenching. Good-night—I wish you all a very good-night.’
A sigh of relief went round the room—for it was not etiquette to leave the Princess’s table, except for her intimates, till she herself suggested it—and all rose. The Black Domino, however, lingered.
‘Am I to understand that your Royal Highness is willing to go on playing with any who wish to remain?’ he asked.
Sophia flushed with delight.
‘Mon cher inconnu,’ she cried, ‘you are inimitable! But what game shall we play? It will have to be a game for two. I will cut you through fifty packs.’
‘I would as soon play old maid, begging your Royal Highness’s pardon,’ observed the Black Domino with some heat.
‘Bezique?’ suggested Sophia.
‘Surely that is more a game for Ash Wednesdays, your Royal Highness,’ said he.