"Miss Holroyd rested her chin on her wrist and gazed steadily at the board. She was flushing furiously, but she held her ground.
"'If the white queen doesn't block that pawn, the pawn may become dangerous,' she said, coldly.
"I laughed, and closed up the board with a snap.
"'True,' I said, 'it might even take the queen.' After a moment's silence I asked, 'What would you do in that case, Miss Holroyd?'
"'I should resign,' she said, serenely; then, realizing what she had said, she lost her self-possession for a second, and cried: 'No, indeed! I should fight to the bitter end! I mean—'
"'What?' I asked, lingering over my revenge.
"'I mean,' she said, slowly, 'that your black pawn would never have the chance—never! I should take it immediately.'
"'I believe you would,' said I, smiling; 'so we'll call the game yours, and—the pawn captured.'
"'I don't want it,' she exclaimed. 'A pawn is worthless.'
"'Except when it's in the king row.'