It amazed Verdayne beyond measure that the lady could play such a game with so consummate a skill and so much evidence of experience. He judged that at some time or other she had had a little fling at Monte Carlo, and that profiting by such knowledge as she had acquired before, she had now been playing an inspired game for some incalculable stake. If she won against the bank it would release her from her torment; no other theory was possible. It made his heart grow cold with rage as he appreciated that he had been made the innocent instrument of such a hard experience for her. So convinced did he become of this fact that he shouldered his way through the crowd, and leaning over her chair, whispered into her ear: "Don't be alarmed. I see you have been greatly upset. Please allow me to assist you." The man at her right hand scowled angrily, but Paul turned to him with an urbane smile. "As you do not seem to be playing," he said, "perhaps you will allow me to have your chair?" Nor had the man any alternative but to vacate his seat. Paul's spirits rose as for the first time in his life he found himself seated by the lady's side, playing on her behalf, to win a desperate game. But the girl's inspiration was gone, and Paul's knowledge of this form of gambling availed him nothing. Time after time they lost until practically nothing remained of the great pile of money which had been stacked on the table before her when he had entered the room. The girl watched the money dwindle with every evidence of consternation. Paul sought to console her. "Don't despair," he whispered. "I think I have enough with me to see us through." When he had at first sat down to assist her she had stared at him with considerable astonishment. Now she appeared utterly confused. "I don't understand," she said in a low voice. "You have certainly done your best to help me, but I cannot see why you wish me to win." Paul turned and looked her full in the eyes. "How long will it be," he asked in a low voice, "before you come to trust me?" Without further word he drew from his pocket the liberal supply of bank-notes with which he had prepared himself for his evening's play, and laid them on the table before his astonished companion. As this little scene had attracted more attention from those about him than pleased Verdayne, he indicated with a slight nod to the _croupier_ to proceed, and calmly placed a pile of gold pieces of large denomination on the green double nought. The wheel spun. The ball clicked slower and slower. The gaming spirit of the devotees once more claimed them and the veiled lady and her chivalrous escort were forgotten in the interest centered on the little ivory sphere. Slower and slower and slower it ran, until it settled in place with a last click. The company drew a mingled long breath. The monotonous sing-song voice of the _croupier_ chanted, "Twenty-six and the black wins," and he raked away the stake from before the veiled lady.