The regular game--poker." "A dollar limit ?" "Oh, make it five," drawled Halsey impatiently.
Watson said nothing, but Bella patted Halsey's hand in approval, as if all were on very good terms indeed.

"I think that will make a nice little game," she cut in, opening a drawer from which she took out a box of blue, red and white chips of real ivory.

Watson seemed naturally to assume the role of banker.
"Aren't you going to join us ?" asked Constance.
"Oh, I seldom play.

You know, I'm too busy entertaining you people," excused Bella, as she bustled out of the room, reappearing a few minutes later with the maid and a tray of slender hollow-stemmed glasses with a bottle wrapped in a white napkin in a pail of ice.
Mrs.Noble shuffled the cards with practiced hand and Watson kept a calculating eye on every face.

Luck was not with Constance on the first deal and she dropped out.
Mrs.Noble and Halsey were betting eagerly.