The colour of Asshlin's face became a shade deeper.
Still the other sat rigidly still.
For a moment their eyes held each other; then suddenly the blood surged into Asshlin's neck and face.
"Do you mean to say that you refuse to play?" he asked slowly. "That you refuse to give me my revenge?"
Milbanke met the attack unsteadily.
"My dear Denis——"
But before the words had left his lips, Asshlin flung the cards upon the table with a force that sent a score of them flying across the room.
"And may I ask you for your reasons?" he demanded with alarming calm.
Milbanke fenced.
"I do not wish to play."