Was it he who was letting her win at his expense! Or was his attention to her causing him to neglect his own game and play it poorly?
She decided to quit.

She was a few dollars ahead.

For excuse she pleaded a headache.
Bella accepted the excuse with a cordial nod and a kind inquiry whether she might not like to lie down.
"No, thank you," murmured Constance.

"But the cards make me nervous to-night.

Just let me sit here.