“Are you so very far away, then?” The song had ceased; the countess was looking at him curiously.
“Thank you,” he said; “indeed, you had taken me out of myself.”
“Do you like chestnuts?” she asked suddenly.
“I am very fond of them.”
“Then I shall fetch some.” It occurred to her that the room was very warm; she wanted a breath of air—alone.
“Checkmate!” cried the Colonel, joyfully.
“Do you begin to understand?” asked Madame.
“A little,” admitted Fitzgerald, who did not wish to learn too quickly. “I like to watch the game.”
“So do I,” said Maurice, who had approached the table. “I should like to know what the game is, too.”
Both Madame and the Colonel appeared to accept the statement and not the innuendo. Madame placed the figures on the board.