“That is not all,” he forced himself to say. “There is worse.”

“ Is there?” she asked wide-eyed. “What else have you done, Mr. Carr?”

“I⁠—once⁠—” heavens, how hard it was to say! “I once⁠ ⁠… cheated⁠ ⁠… at cards.” It was out. Now she would turn from him in disgust. He shut his eyes in anticipation of her scorn, his head turned away.

“Only once ?” came the soft voice, filled with awed admiration.

His eyes flew open.

“Mademoiselle⁠—!”

She drooped her head mournfully.