“Pierre’s idea was excellent,” remarked Victor. “We wanted the money badly, and although the sum isn’t very large, the manoeuvre is one that might be worth repeating, eh?”
“That’s just it. The thing is so simple. I kept the winning hand concealed until the stake was large enough, then I played it.”
“You’re even smarter with the cards than I anticipated. Père Amiot didn’t teach you to manipulate for nothing; you’ve been our salvation,” observed Valérie.
“For your sake, mademoiselle, no task is too difficult,” he said, with mock gallantry, bowing.
“A little of that sort of talk is quite sufficient,” she answered, with a laugh.
The subject dropped, and for a few minutes they held a serious consultation, after which the two men wished her good-night, and departed stealthily along the corridor.
Nanette entered, and her mistress sank into a chair, reflecting silently, while she deftly arranged her hair for the night.