It was, therefore, delightful to the young girl that he approved her ball-gown.
After sufficient praise had been given the dress, the four sat down to play, Napoleon and Jane against Las Cases and Betsy.
"Mademoiselle Betsee," said the Emperor, "I tire of sugar-plums. I bet you a napoleon on the game. What will you put against it?"
"I have no money," replied Betsy, a little shyly for her. "I have nothing worth a napoleon except—oh, yes—my little pagoda. Will that do?"
The Emperor laughed. "Yes, that will do, and I will try to get it."
So they began in merry spirits.
"There, there," cried Betsy after a minute or two, "that isn't fair. You mustn't show your cards to Jane."
"But this is such a good one." Napoleon's eye twinkled.
"Well, it isn't fair," added Betsy with the excitement in her tone often observable in vivacious natures. As the cards were shuffled she repeated, "Remember, you mustn't look at your cards until they are all dealt."
"But it seems so long to wait."