The play that night was spirited.

Soon the limit was the roof.
From the start things seemed to run against Halsey and Mrs.Noble even worse than before.

At the same time fortune seemed to favor Constance.
Again and again she won, until even Watson seemed to think there was something uncanny about it.
"Beginner's luck," remarked Bella with a forced laugh.
Still Constance won, not much, but steadily, though not enough to offset the larger winnings of Watson.
Fast and furious became the play and as steadily did it go against Halsey.

Mrs.Noble retired, scarcely repressing the tears.

Constance dropped out.