“That is what the Countess hoped,” answered Lily, a little coldly. “But he spoke last night as if he could only stay a few days.”
She still felt very ruffled. Fond though she was of M. Popeau, she did not intend to allow him to give her hints as to how to behave herself with a young man.
“I’m glad to hear that,” exclaimed the Frenchman, and there was indeed a tone of hearty relief and surprise in his voice.
“As for me, I’m sorry he’s going so soon!” Lily exclaimed. “I like Beppo! I think he and I are going to be great friends.”
They were now close to the steps of the Casino. Angus Stuart came up to them, an eager look on his face:
“May I join you?” he asked, with the touch of old-fashioned courtesy which M. Popeau found so pleasant in the young man.
“Of course, of course, dear friend! You shall come and assist me in initiating Mademoiselle in the joys of play!” He turned to Lily. “How much money have you got with you?”
Lily opened her bag and counted. “Forty francs,” she said.
“Well, that is exactly right. It will not ruin you to offer up that tribute to the Goddess of Chance. On the other hand, it will be pleasant if the forty francs become a hundred or two hundred francs!”
“That would be very nice indeed,” confessed the girl, smiling.