“Look here, it’s too bad,” he said, “I’ve left all my money at home. But, to-night, if you can meet me at the Café de Paris at nine, I’ll have it.”
“I can count on that?”
“Yes.”
“You darling! I say ... there’s no one on the road. Quick. If you like, you may kiss me.”
5.
He arrived at the Café de Paris about half past eight, keyed up and exalted. The afternoon seemed to have added an inch to his stature. The most charming woman in Monte!... And he had kissed her.... Having a little time to spare he went into the Rooms. The impulse he knew so well was luring him on.
“If I give her a mille,” he thought, “why not make the Casino pay for it?”
At the first table he threw a maximum on red and won. Rather sourly they paid him six thousand francs.
“Five thousand for me,” he said, “and a thousand for Mrs. B.”
He found her exquisitely dressed and impatiently awaiting him. His luck had added to his excitement. He was feeling capable of any folly. He folded up a mille note very neatly and slipped it into her bag. Then somewhat to his chagrin she excused herself.