I like it better.

Why did he leave the army and why is he in Algiers ?" "If you prefer the direct method, my dear Lola," said I--and the name came quite trippingly on my tongue--"I'll employ it.

Your husband has apparently been kicked out of the army and is now running a gambling-hell." She took the blow bravely; but it turned her face haggard like a paroxysm of physical pain.

After a few moments' silence, she said: "It must have been awful for him.

He was a proud man." "He is changed," I replied gently.