“No, no.” And I fished into my pocket. “Allow me. I will furnish the funds if you will do the playing.”
“I choose the card?” said she. “That is up to you, sir. You are to learn.”
“By watching, at first,” I protested. “We should be partners.”
“Well,” she consented, “if you say so. Partners it is. A lady brings luck, but I shall not always do your playing for you, sir. That kind of partnership comes to grief.” 116
“I am hopeful of playing on my own score, in due time,” I responded. “As you will see.”
“What’s the card, Bob? We’ve a dollar on it, as a starter.”
He eyed her, while facing the cards up.
“The ace. You see it—the ace, backed by ten and deuce. Here it is. All ready?” He turned them down, in order; methodically, even listlessly moved them to and fro, yet with light, sure, well-nigh bewildering touch. Suddenly lifted his hands. “All set. A dollar you don’t face up the ace at first try.”
She laughed, bantering.
“Oh, Bob! You’re too easy. I wonder you aren’t broke. You’re no monte spieler. Is this your best?”