“I’m afraid I always cheat,” she confessed. “I had no idea ’twas so wicked, although Auntie gets very cross and vows she will not play with me.”

He could not help laughing.

“ ’Tis not wicked in you, child. You do not play for money.”

“Oh, did you?”

“Yes, child.”

“Then that was horrid of you,” she agreed.

He stood silent, fighting the longing to tell her the truth.

“But⁠—but⁠—do not look so solemn, sir,” the pleading voice went on. “I am sure you must have had a very strong excuse?”