"I'll take the risk," retorted Kitty rising. "I'm going into the drawing-room. Mr. Lazarus, you come also. I have got the score of that new opera-bouffé 'Eblis,' and I want you to try it."
"Bah! a failure in town," growled Mortimer.
"That doesn't necessarily mean a failure in Melbourne," replied Kitty, and with this parting shot she went away, followed by the ladies and Ezra Lazarus. Keith remained behind, and, lighting a fresh cigarette, listened to the conversation, which was now slightly horsey.
"I know what's going to win the cup.
"Never knew a man who didn't."
"This is true, 'Devil-may-care.'"
"An outsider."
"They generally win, but don't prophesy too soon."
"No, or like Casandra, your prophecies won't be believed."
"Who is Casandra--another dark 'un?"