Lady Frances' eyes were quick to detect the exception. With her fingers poised above the board, she waited smilingly.
"Won't you stake, Mrs. Milbanke?" she asked.
Clodagh blushed, and stepped back shyly. At the same instant, Serracauld moved forward to her side.
"Oh, Mrs. Milbanke, but you must!" he cried.
Again confusion covered Clodagh, as all eyes were turned upon her.
"No, please!" she said. "I—I think I'd rather not."
Barnard laughed suavely.
"Mrs. Milbanke is wise!" he said. "She wants to see which way the gods are pointing."
"Then Mrs. Milbanke is unwise! The gods are jealous beings; we must not treat them with suspicion. I'll stake for her!"
It was Lord Deerehurst who spoke. And regardless of Clodagh's quick, half-frightened expostulation, he stepped forward out of the little circle, and placed a gold coin on the number thirteen. A moment later Lady Frances gave a short amused laugh, and with a dexterous movement of the fingers set the ball whizzing.