"At one game, aye!" the girl replied vehemently.
Kenkenes laid his hand on her head and said to her very softly:
"If only our pride were spared, sweet Io, defeat were not so hard."
The girl lifted her face to him with some questioning in her eyes.
"Knowest thou aught of this game, in truth?" she asked.
He smiled and evaded. "I have not been fairly taught."
Ta-meri gathered up the stakes and Nechutes, collecting the dice, went to find her a seat. But while he was gone, she wandered over to Kenkenes and leaned on the back of his chair.
"Let me give thee a truth that seemeth to deny itself in the expression," Io said, turning so that she faced the young artist.
"Say on," he replied, bending over her.
"The more indifferent the teacher in this game of love, the sooner you learn," said Io. Kenkenes took the tiny hand extended toward him in emphasis and kissed it.