"It must be my pleasure in playing with you, madame, that distracts me," rejoined the little man with the protruding eyes, bowing to his partner.
"In that case, monsieur, moderate your pleasure, I entreat you, and don't trump my kings any more."
The count regretfully quitted the young bride and returned to the card-table, saying:
"But monsieur doesn't need my advice; he plays very well."
"Oh! you are too good, monsieur!"
"I am well aware that Monsieur de la Bérinière prefers to pay court to the ladies rather than watch the game!" rejoined Madame de Mirallon, in a tone which she intended to be ironical, but in which there was a slight tincture of mortification; "but he can afford to spare us a few moments."
"Whatever is agreeable to you, I will do, madame."
"Indeed! But it did not suit your pleasure to join our game?"
"Madame, if you would kindly attend to your play——"