nd Florine had
punted.

The actress did not spare taunts or jests on those who lost. She
enlivened the game with jokes which Oscar thought singular; but
reflection was stifled by joy; for the first two throws produced a
gain of two thousand francs. Oscar then thought of feigning illness and
making his escape, leaving his partner behind him; but "honor" kept him
there. Three more turns and the gains were lost. Oscar felt a cold sweat
running down his back, and he was sobered completely.

The next two throws carried off the thousand francs of their mutual
stake. Oscar was consumed with thirst, and drank three glasses of iced
punch one after the other. The actress now led him into the bed-chamber,
where the rest of the company were playing, talking frivolities with an
easy air. But by this time the sense of his wrong-doing overcame him;
the figure of Desroches appeared to him like a vision. He turned aside
to a dark corner and sat down, putting his handkerchief to his eyes, and
wept. Florentine noticed the attitude of true grief, which, because it
is sincere, is certain to strike the eye of one who acts. She ran to
him, took the handkerchief from his hand, and saw his tears; then she
led him into a boudoir alone.

"What is it, my child?" she said.

At the tone and accent of that voice Oscar recognized a motherly
kindness which is often found in women of her kind, and he answered
openly:--

"I have lost five hundred francs which my employer gave me to obtain a
document to-morrow morning; there's nothing for me but to fling myself
into the river; I am dishonored."

"How silly you are!" she said. "Stay where you are; I'll get you a
thousand francs and you can win back what you've lost; but don't risk
more than five hundred, so that you may be sure of your master's money.
Georges plays a fine game at ecarte; bet on him."

Oscar, frightened by his position, accepted the offer of the mistress of
the house.

"Ah!" he thought, "it is only women of rank who are capable of such
kindness. Beautiful, noble, rich! how lucky Georges is!"

He received the thousand francs from Florentine and returned to bet on
his hoaxer. Georges had just passed for the fourth time when Oscar sat
down beside him. The other players saw with satisfaction the arrival of
a new better; for all, with the instinct of gamblers, took the side of
Giroudeau, the old officer of the Empire.

"Messieurs," said Georges, "you'll be punished for deserting me;