“I don’t doubt it, my dear,” replied her husband, “but I am not playing tonight. Will you not take your luck to Bob?” He nodded to where the Colonel was lounging, dice-box in hand.

Lavinia pouted.

“No, I want you to play!”

“ ’Tis of no avail, Lady Lavinia!” drawled Sir Gregory. “Richard is the very devil tonight.”

Selwyn, rattling his dice, paused, and looked round at Markham with a face of innocent surprise. Then he turned slowly and stared at Carstares’ grave, almost stern countenance, with even more surprise. He started to rattle the dice again, and shifted back to face his opponent, with pursed lips.

“Is he?” he inquired with studied depression.