“Milward was surprised. I tried to tell myself that Devil had noticed nothing.⁠ ⁠… The mark on that card was so faint that I could scarce see it myself. I thought it impossible that he, a mere onlooker, should discover it. He stepped forward. I remember he brushed my shoulder. I remember how the light caught the diamonds he was wearing. I think my brain was numbed. I could only repeat to myself: ‘Extravagant Devil! Extravagant Devil!’ and stare at those winking jewels. Then I thought: ‘He is Lavinia’s brother, but I do not like him; I do not like him⁠ ⁠…’⁠—little foolish things like that⁠—and my throat was dry⁠—parched.

“He bent over the table⁠ ⁠… stretched out his white, white hand⁠ ⁠… turned over the ace⁠ ⁠… lifted his quizzing glass⁠ ⁠… and stared down at the card. Then he dropped the glass and drew out his snuffbox.⁠ ⁠… It had Aphrodite enamelled on the lid. I remember it so distinctly.⁠ ⁠… I heard Tracy ask Milward to examine the ace. I wanted to spring up and strangle him.⁠ ⁠… I could scarce keep my hands still.” Richard paused. He drew his hand across his eyes, shuddering.