“Ah! Then he has been losing heavily again?”
“I’m afraid so. I couldn’t make my interference too marked.” Obeying some impulse, he laid his hand on her arm. “Rather a handful for you, isn’t he?”
Bella nodded, making no attempt to shake off his grasp.
“Yes,” she acknowledged with some bitterness; “but I can hardly complain that I have no control over him. It would be astonishing if I had.” She broke into a little harsh laugh. “Anyway, I manage to keep my head, and do not deceive myself, as he does. I know what our welcome’s worth and what the few people whose opinion counts for anything think of us.”
“Well,” offered Lisle, “if I can be of service in any respect—”
“Thanks,” she interrupted, and turned back toward the door.
When they reached the hall she glanced at her companion as the light fell on his face.
“Your offer’s genuine,” she said impulsively. “I can’t see what you expect in return.”
Lisle was puzzled by her expression. She was variable in her moods, generally somewhat daring, and addicted to light mockery. He could not tell whether she spoke in bitterness or in mischief.
“No,” he replied gravely, “nor do I.”