‘It is arranged; ‘tis the day after to-morrow, at nine o’clock.’
‘Well, I bet on you, you know.’
‘Of course you bet on me. Would you think of betting on that good Pop, with that gun? Pah! Eh! bien! I shall go in the next room.’ And the Count walked away, followed by Mr. Bevil.
Ferdinand remained talking for some time with Lord Fitzwarrene. By degrees the great saloon had become somewhat thinner: some had stolen away to the House, where a division was expected; quiet men, who just looked in after dinner, had retired; and the play-men were engaged in the contiguous apartments. Mr. Bond Sharpe approached Ferdinand, and Lord Fitzwarrene took this opportunity of withdrawing.
‘I believe you never play, Captain Armine,’ said Mr. Bond Sharpe.
‘Never,’ said Ferdinand.
‘You are quite right.’
‘I am rather surprised at your being of that opinion,’ said Ferdinand, with a smile.
Mr. Bond Sharpe shrugged his shoulders. ‘There will always be votaries enough,’ said Mr. Bond Sharpe, ‘whatever may be my opinion.’
‘This is a magnificent establishment of yours,’ said Ferdinand.