We had a round of brisk play.

“That Miss Russell,” said Caroline. “She came here pretending to consult James on Friday morning. It’s my opinion she wanted to see where the poisons were kept. Five Characters.”

“Chow,” said Miss Gannett. “What an extraordinary idea! I wonder if you can be right.”

“Talking of poisons,” said the colonel. “Eh⁠—what? Haven’t I discarded? Oh! Eight Bamboos.”

“Mah Jong!” said Miss Gannett.

Caroline was very much annoyed.

“One Red Dragon,” she said regretfully, “and I should have had a hand of three doubles.”

“I’ve had two Red Dragons all the time,” I mentioned.

“So exactly like you, James,” said Caroline reproachfully. “You’ve no conception of the spirit of the game.”