Whoever would represent what is passing in a mind, must say more than the man himself knows how to say.
The laird re-entered.
“Well, have you brought the cards?” said Lord Mergwain, turning from the window.
“I have, my lord. I am sorry it is such a poor pack, but we never play.—I think, Cosmo, you had better come with me.”
“Hold you, laird, we’re going to have a rubber!”
“Cosmo does not understand the game.”
“I will teach him,” said Lady Joan. “He shall be live dummy for a few rounds; that will be enough.”
“My lord will not care to play for counters,” persisted the laird, “and we cannot play for money.”
“I don’t care what the points are,” said Lord Mergwain, “—sixpence, if you like—so long as it is money. None but a fool cares for victory where nothing is to be got by it.”
“I am sorry to disappoint your lordship,” returned the laird, “but play for money neither my son nor myself will. But perhaps you would like a game of draughts, or backgammon?”