“I believe that, too,� she returned, still laughing. “I was only thinking that it was not unusual for you to find yourself pitted against women. Judging by the way you played this morning, I should say you respect the prowess of my sex, no matter how poorly they may play.�
“You are right, baroness,� admitted the detective. “I have played the game very often against women.�
“And do you always win?�
“Is that a fair question?�
“I was curious to know.�
“I did not win this morning.�
“But you didn’t lose,� she rejoined quickly. “So there is neither decided so far.�
“Perhaps we’d better leave it to the next game we shall play against each other,� suggested Nick, with a peculiar smile.
“Yes,� she assented gayly. “The next game we shall play. Do you think you will win that game, Colonel Pearson?�
“If I do, it won’t be for lack of a worthy adversary,� he replied, with a deep bow.