"So this is hers! I thought it didn't feel quite right. But that pair of gloves!"
"It's in my pocket. I have stolen it!" I led the way to the lower veranda of the casino, which was now de-a sorted. "Stay right here and appear deeply interested in the heavens above and the waters under the earth until I get back."
I ran up the stairs again and found Helen where I had left her.
"And now," I said, giving her my arm, "you will not forget the rules of the game! Your fortunes, and your father's are brighter to-night than they have ever been. You hate me to the point of desperation, but remember I am your friend after all."
She stopped abruptly, hesitating. I felt indecision in the lessening touch upon my arm, and I saw it in her eyes as the light from the ball-room door flooded us.
"You have taken everything away from me! You are playing Reginald against me."
"Possibly—who knows! I supposed you had more faith in your powers than that!"
"I have no faith in anything," she said dejectedly.
"Oh, yes, you have! You have an immense amount of faith in yourself. And you know you care nothing at all about Reginald Gillespie; he's a nice boy, but that's all."
"You are contemptible and wicked!" she flared. "Let us go."