"Which class does she belong to?" asked Violette. "She is a distinguished member of the first class," replied the professor. "Do you notice that rather handsome young man with fair curly hair, and a pointed glossy beard just standing behind her?" said Marcel. "See he is whispering something in her ear." "What a large sum she has put on to black," exclaimed Renée. "Yes," said Delapine, "it is the maximum stake (6,000 frs.)." "Look! Look!" said Renée, "she has won," as she saw 12,000 frs. worth of notes passed over to her by the croupier. The curly headed gentleman squeezed her hand, "Didn't I tell you so," he said with a smile. Delapine's party at once became intensely interested in her, wondering what would happen next. "See she is listening to him again, and now she has put 6,000 frs. on 'red,' and 6,000 frs. on 'impasse,' and the same amount on 'even.'" "Lord! what a pile of money," said Marcel, "Wouldn't I look a lovely bird if I were to be dressed up at that expense." "You are quite good-looking enough without spending 18,000 francs on a new suit," replied Violette, laughing. They all watched the little ball with intense eagerness as it jumped about as if it were alive, cannoning off one obstacle after another, until at length tired of its exertions it tumbled into number 11. "Onze, noir, impair, et manque," shouted the croupier mechanically. "Ciel! she has lost everything, what dreadful luck," said Violette, as the croupier raked in all her notes with a remorseless movement of his little rake. The lady turned round with quivering lips and clenched hands. "Beast," she hissed, "why didn't you hold your silly tongue? Look what has happened through my following your advice. You assured me that I was bound to win--and now see what you have done," and she scowled at him again. At this moment her adviser happened to glance at Delapine and the rest of his party, but apparently he was satisfied that none of them recognised him, for after giving them another glance he walked rapidly to the door and disappeared. "I seem to know his face," said Riche. "I was just thinking the same thing," said Marcel. "Did you recognise him, professor?" Delapine's face clouded, and he set his lips firmly together, but did not reply. Renée was looking at her lover, and her hand trembled as she watched the change which came over his face. She caught hold of his hand. "Don't worry your little head, Renée," said Delapine gently. "Riche," he continued, "I should be obliged if you and Marcel will do me the favour to follow that gentleman who has just left the salon, and let me know what he is doing and where he is living. Come and report to me at the hotel. I shall be leaving myself very soon. But be sure and don't let him see you, and don't tell a soul." Riche nodded, and taking Marcel's arm the two hurriedly left the room.