He ogled Adelaide with comic sentimentality:
"And the jovial supper-party at which I was present, when von Kessel, of the Guards Infantry, had the presumption to bring an uninvited guest!"
"Why apologize!" laughed the Hussar. "The pleasantest acquaintanceships are made by chance!"
"Ah, but this was not chance!" said the Bavarian, with mock solemnity. "It was one of those accidents that only happen by design. Von Schön-Valverden bored von Kessel frightfully to take him—left the fat fellow no peace until he gave in. The Count is reported to have paid the penalty."
"Aha! I can imagine what happened to the youngster!" giggled the Hussar.
Replied the comedian:
"He had three losses that evening. Each one more serious than the last!"
Adelaide shrugged, but she did not look angry; indeed, through her veil her disdainful beauty assumed a smiling cast.
"Three losses," the comedian repeated, "exactly as in my own case. For he first lost his money—so did I!—we were playing baccarat that evening—then he lost his head, and finally his heart!"
"Otto, thou wert always a tease!" protested Madame, but her ill-humor had softened into conscious coquetry, and her eyes beamed radiantly through the flowers of her masking veil.