'as never been a system
invented in connection with that devil-game, Roulette, that L'Ami Fritz
does not know, and that 'e 'as not--at some time or other--played more to
'is satisfaction than to mine!" But she spoke very good-humouredly. "'E
cannot ring many changes on Baccarat, and I do not often allow 'im to
play downstairs. No, no, that is too dangerous! That is for children and
fools!"

Sylvia was still too ignorant of play to understand the full significance
of Madame Wachner's words, but she was vaguely interested, though she
could not understand one word of the eager talk between Anna and the man.

"Let us leave them at it!" exclaimed the older woman, suddenly. "It will
be much nicer in the garden, Madame, for it is not yet too 'ot for out of
doors. By the way, I forgot to tell you my name. That was very rude of
me! My name is Wachner--Sophie Wachner, at your service."

"And my name is Bailey--Sylvia Bailey."

"Ah, I thought so--you are a Mees!"

"No," said Sylvia gravely, "I am a widow."

Madame Wachner's face became very serious.

"Ah," she said, sympathetically, "that is sad--very sad for one so young
and so beautiful!"

Sylvia smiled. Madame Wachner was certainly a kindly, warm-hearted sort
of woman.

They walked out together into the narrow garden, and soon Madame Wachner
began to amuse her companion by lively, shrewd talk, and they spent a
pleasant half hour pacing up and down.

The Wachners seemed to have travelled a great deal about the world and
especially in several of the British Colonies.

It was in New Zealand that Madame Wachner had learnt to speak English:
"My 'usband, 'e was in business there," she said vaguely.

"And you?" she asked at last, fixing her piercing eyes on the pretty
Englishwoman, and allowing them to travel down till they rested on the
milky row of perfectly-matched pearls.

"Oh, this is my first visit to France," answered Sylvia, "and I am
enjoying it very much indeed."

"Then you 'ave not gambled for money yet?" observed Madame Wachner. "In
England they are too good to gamble!" She spoke sarcastically, but Sylvia
did not know that.

"I never in my life played for money till last week, and then I won
thirty francs!"

"Ah! Then now surely you will join the Club?"

"Yes," said Sylvia a little awkwardly. "I suppose I shall join the Club.
You see, my friend is so fond of play."

"I believe you there!" cried the other, familiarly. "We used to watch
Madame Wolsky