Delapine and his party retraced their steps along the terrace to the Casino. As they approached they heard the strains of a fine band playing near at hand. "Come let us listen, there is nothing to pay, for everything is free at Monte Carlo."
"Look! Here are Charley and Ridgeway," said Beaupaire to Violette.
"How do you do," said Charley, taking off his hat to Violette and her father. "I suppose you are going into the Casino?"
"Yes, we are going there directly," said the professor, who overheard what had just been said.
"May we accompany you?" asked the two Englishmen.
"Certainly, by all means," replied Delapine, "but I would advise you not to play unless you can afford to lose."
"But we can afford to lose."
"Then you have no need to play," replied Delapine, smiling.
Charley and Ridgeway said nothing, but looked at each other and laughed.
Before them towered the Casino. They saw a large profusely decorated monstrosity, erected regardless of expense, which was surmounted at each end by a lofty tower. The building gave one the impression that it had been built under the direction of some millionaire pork-packer hailing from Chicago, rather than by the great architect of the famous Opera House in Paris.