"I believe he did."
"Assuredly; and with me on occasions. Twelve months ago we were a party of five at Torquay."
"I believe Jim did go there sometimes. Go on."
"It is hard to go on, madame," said Aksakoff, with feigned nervousness, "as I have a confession to make."
"I grant you absolution beforehand."
"You are too good. Then I can repay you by handing over the money."
"What money?"
"My losses at bridge. Yes; with your husband and others I played a great deal--unfortunately for my pockets."
She noticed the misused plural and smiled. "Most people made that remark grammatically, when they played with Jim. So you lost?"
"Two thousand pounds."