“But there is a money-changer’s office here, is there not? They told me I should be able to get any sort of paper security changed!”
“Quite so; to any amount you please. But you will lose on the transaction what would frighten even a Jew.”
“Rubbish! I am determined to retrieve my losses. Take me away, and call those fools of bearers.”
I wheeled the chair out of the throng, and, the bearers making their appearance, we left the Casino.
“Hurry, hurry!” commanded the Grandmother. “Show me the nearest way to the money-changer’s. Is it far?”
“A couple of steps, Madame.”
At the turning from the square into the Avenue we came face to face with the whole of our party—the General, De Griers, Mlle. Blanche, and her mother. Only Polina and Mr. Astley were absent.
“Well, well, well!” exclaimed the Grandmother. “But we have no time to stop. What do you want? I can’t talk to you here.”
I dropped behind a little, and immediately was pounced upon by De Griers.
“She has lost this morning’s winnings,” I whispered, “and also twelve thousand gülden of her original money. At the present moment we are going to get some bonds changed.”