"Now, why should I lend you money to play against me? I'll not give you a chip; and, besides, I don't want to play any more. Let's stop."
"I've a mind to stop for good; stop playing even with you."
Blix gave a little cry of joy.
"Oh, Condy, will you, could you? and never, never touch a card again? never play for money? I'd be so happy—but don't unless you know you would keep your promise. I would much rather have you play every night, down there at your club, than break your promise."
Condy fell silent, biting thoughtfully at the knuckle of a forefinger.
"Think twice about it, Condy," urged Blix; "because this would be for always."
Condy hesitated; then, abstractedly and as though speaking to himself:
"It's different now. Before we took that—three months ago, I don't say. It was harder for me to quit then, but now—well, everything is different now; and it would please you, Blixy!"
"More than anything else I can think of, Condy."
He gave her his hand.