There was a shout of laughter from the men at the wisdom of their new opponent, and the capital manner in which she had won their money, and as the noise continued, the name of the new arrival which the servant announced was drowned:
"Mr. Pierrepont!"
It gave him an opportunity to pause at the door. For a moment he did not recognize Carlita in her white gown, flashing as she was with diamonds, the flush of excitement coloring her lovely cheeks to the hue of the wild rose, and when he did an expression of such pain darkened his eyes as must have attracted the attention of every one who observed him. But no one did except Jessica, and he had had ample time to recover himself before the laughter had subsided.
He went forward in the old debonair manner and stood behind Carlita's chair.
"Who won a hundred with a bob-tail flush?" he asked, carelessly.
"Carlita!" answered Jessica, putting out her hand to welcome him. "And she did it with the coolness of a man who had spent his life in the business. I predict she will become one of the best players in New York. Come and join us. Here is a chair for you."
"Thanks, no," he answered, after a slight hesitation. "I don't feel up to it tonight. I'll watch you for a moment, and perhaps you'll let me play something for you on the piano later. No, don't urge me, Maltby. I really couldn't. Do you like the game, Miss de Barryos?"
There was something almost wistful in the question, but Carlita threw up her head with a sort of defiance and answered in a tone that contained a metallic ring:
"Very. It is fascinating. I really think I shall never want to do anything else."
Leith sighed slightly.