You would have to provide even that! It would be madness--absolute madness!" "I do not think," said Sylvia, in a low tone, "that there is the slightest likelihood of my ever marrying the Comte de Virieu.

You forget that I have known him only a short time, and that he has never said a word of love to me.

As you say, all he cares about is play." "Surely you must be as well aware as I am that lately he has played a great deal less," said Anna, "and the time that he would have spent at the Club--well, you and I know very well where he has spent the time, Sylvia.

He has spent it with you." "And isn't that a good thing ?" asked Sylvia, eagerly.

"Isn't it far better that he should spend his time talking to me about ordinary things than in the Casino?
Let me assure you again, and most solemnly, Anna, that he never makes love to me--" "Of course it is a good thing for him that he plays less"-- Anna spoke impatiently--"but is it best for you?
That is what I ask myself.