"I mean to bring Monsieur de Potoski good luck," she said, sitting close against him, and showing a row of teeth set like a wild boar's tusks.
"I trust that you will change the luck, madame!" observed Dubourg, who had already lost more than a thousand francs, which he was determined to win back. Madame la marquise made no other reply than to place her foot lovingly on his. With each game that Dubourg lost, she bore down a little heavier, and tried to make him forget his bad luck by saying sweet things to him; but Dubourg did not listen.
"I hope to see you often, Monsieur de Potoski."
"Yes, madame.—Ten louis more, this time."
"I am a bold player," said the count; "I'll take whatever you bet."
"Yes, of course, monsieur le comte will give you your revenge," said the marchioness, "if you lose to-night."
"If I lose!" muttered Dubourg; "I should say so! almost two thousand francs! What a breach in my cash-box!"
"You must come to my country house on the Rhône, my dear Potoski. I insist on your coming."
"Yes, madame la marquise; yes, most certainly.—The king is always in the other hand! it's the most extraordinary thing!"
"We will walk in my park."