(_To herself._) I wonder who has the cards. Oh, it's that monsieur there, I see. Not good! I will only place two louis. (_She asks the gentleman in front of her to place them for her. He does so._) No, I am wrong, I will put three. (_She asks the gentleman to place a third louis for her. In doing so the chip rolls from his fingers; he immediately recaptures it and places it properly._) Monsieur, monsieur, if you please. Return me my louis, if you please! I never play a louis that has rolled on the table. That would bring us bad fortune, you would see! Thank you, thank you very much. (_To herself again._) I am sorry I did not ask him to hand me back two. We are going to lose! Good heavens! it is sure we lose! Ah, the cards! Bad, that's sure! O, what emotion! O good heavens! Seven! But the bank! No, we gain! O---- O good heavens! Good heavens! what emotion! We gain! What a misfortune I didn't leave the extra louis! It is disgusting! I regret it now. O, I regret it very much! But it is always like that with me! Are we going to be paid? I don't think so! No, we won't be paid! It is always like that; when one loses one is taken, and when one wins one is never paid! O good heavens! Now he will pay our side. After all there ought to be enough money. O yes, yes, we will be paid! All the better! Two louis for me if you please, thank you. Monsieur, I am sorry to trouble you to give me my four louis! No, no, you haven't given me enough! I put down two louis. O yes, you are right. Pardon me, I didn't understand; yes, I have four. Thank you very much. You are very kind. (_To herself again._) I am paid! After all, I am paid! So much the better! What emotion! I will play two louis again; no, three; no, two; no, one must have courage. Monsieur, if you please, will you have the kindness to place my four louis on the table? Thank you very much! (_To herself again._) But, if I lose! and I will lose. Good heavens! O---- what emotion! (_Etc., etc._) II MLLE. NINA. (_Young, very beautiful, in an exquisite gown from Laferiere, with gorgeous jewels and a wonderful hat._) Who is the banker? MLLE. FIFI. (_Equally charming, as magnificently jeweled, and as exquisitely gowned; also a chapeau of wonderful birds, such as never sang in any wood._) He? He is an old Russian. He has millions and millions, my dear! MLLE. NINA. (_Raising her eyebrows and regarding the banker affectionately._) Really? MLLE. FIFI. Yes, yes; and he is a perfect gentleman. He gave Lala of the Vaudeville three strings of pearls in two days. He is very generous and altogether nice. MLLE. NINA. (_Jealously._) Do you know him? MLLE. FIFI. O no, my dear; he is not my style. You know I never like a gentleman who parts his hair on the left side. It's my fad. MLLE. NINA. (_Very pleasantly._) Have you won to-night, dearie? MLLE. FIFI. Ah, yes, my dear! _Think!_ two thousand francs already! MLLE. NINA.