Her face flushed, her eyes brightened, but she did not look again in Jennings' direction. On the contrary, she gave all her attention to the game which was now in progress, but Jennings guessed that her thoughts were with Mallow, and occasionally he caught her looking for his appearance at the door. "How that woman loves him," he thought, "I wonder I never noticed it before. Quite an infatuation." For a time he watched the players staking large amounts, and saw the pile of gold at Maraquito's elbow steadily increasing. She seemed to have all the luck. The bank was winning and its opponents losing, but the play went on steadily for at least half an hour. At the end of that time a newcomer entered the room. Jennings, who had glanced at his watch, quite expected to see Cuthbert. But, to his surprise, he came face to face with Lord Caranby. "I did not expect to see you here," said the detective. "I come in place of my nephew. He is unwell," said Caranby; "present me to Senora Gredos, if you please, Mr. Jennings." CHAPTER XII JENNINGS ASKS QUESTIONS "Will you play, Lord Caranby?" asked Maraquito, when the introduction had been accomplished. "Pardon me, not at present: in a little time," said the old nobleman, with a polite bow and his eyes on the beautiful face. "As you like," she answered carelessly; "everyone who comes here does just as he pleases. Is your nephew coming?" "I fear not. He is unwell." Maraquito started. "Unwell. Nothing serious, I hope?" "A slight cold." "Ah! Everyone has colds just now. Well, Lord Caranby, I hope to have a conversation with you later when someone else takes the bank." Caranby bowed and moved away slowly, leaning on his cane. Jennings, who was beside him, threw a glance over his shoulder at Senora Gredos. Maraquito's face was pale, and there was a frightened look in her eyes. Catching Jennings' inquisitive look she frowned and again addressed herself to the game. Wondering why Lord Caranby should produce such an effect, Jennings rejoined him at the end of the room, where they sat on a sofa and smoked. "Have you been here before?" asked the detective. "No," answered the other, lighting his cigar, "and it is improbable that I shall come again. My reason for coming--" he broke off--"I can tell you that later. It is sufficient to say that it has to do with your conduct of this case." "Hush!" whispered Jennings quickly, "my profession is not known here." "I fear it will be if these two have tongues in their heads."