A second game followed; and being herself absolutely indifferent as to the result (her playing was above the average among women, and she knew it), she allowed him to give checkmate again.

A final game, in which she adopted the Muzio gambit as her opening, was terminated by Elfride's victory at the twelfth move.
Stephen looked up suspiciously.

His heart was throbbing even more excitedly than was hers, which itself had quickened when she seriously set to work on this last occasion.

Mr.Swancourt had left the room.
'You have been trifling with me till now!' he exclaimed, his face flushing.

'You did not play your best in the first two games ?' Elfride's guilt showed in her face.