I hope people won't talk--I don't think it's fair.
Is it my make? I haven't a thing! I'll pass it. CLUBS! Heavens! I could
have done better than that myself! What on earth did you have in your
hand? I don't care what Elwell says--I don't think that's enough; of
course we couldn't make it on that hand! It seems a shame to THROW
points away. I am NOT angry--do you think I mind a few dollars? it's
only so unnecessary! How many hands do we have to play with each
partner? I never said I wanted to get rid of you. No, it's NOT the same
thing--I simply asked!"

So the game went on!

Flushed cheeks and glistening eyes were the only indications that much
was at stake; social veneer concealed the real anxiety of the players,
but a hush of nervous tension pervaded the room. It was a relief when
the last hand was concluded. Everyone crowded around the table where the
beautiful prizes were displayed and where the scores were read.

"You don't mean to tell me that that girl who came with the
Hollingsworths and can't play at all, has first choice!" whispered Mrs.
Norman.

"A case of fool's luck, I guess," replied Mrs. Danielson, "let's see
what she takes."

"LOOK! She's going to take that Tiffany glass vase when she might have
had that diamond bracelet--probably thinks they are rhinestones!" burst
out Elise Thayer.

"Prizes never go to the best players," said Mrs. Cecil Jerome in
disgust. "It is never really fair."

Mrs. Cecil Jerome was conceded to be one of the "best players."

After the prizes had been duly admired and the winners congratulated,
the throng of exquisitely gowned women flocked about the little gilt
tables in the dining-room, chatting eagerly and comparing scores.

[Illustration: "_The throng of exquisitely gowned women flocked about
the little gilt tables in the dining-room._"]

Mrs. Christy flitted among her guests with a smile and cordial word for
each, but to some favored few she devoted her especial attention. She
stopped beside one group in the corner of the dining-room more than
once.

"Your dining-room is so attractive, Mrs. Christy," said Mrs. Norman, as
her hostess sat down beside her for an instant.

"It is good of you to say so--you do things so exquisitely yourself that
I'm quite afraid of YOU," returned Mrs. Christy with disarming
frankness.

She glanced at Miss Thayer, Mrs. Danielson and Mrs. Cecil Jerome, who
were also at the table.

"You clever people," she went on, "must be my guide