This was owing to the fact that at one end of the table there stood a little group of five young men in evening dress.

They talked and laughed as they flung their money on the green cloth, and seemed to enjoy the fact that they were the centre of attraction.
"One of them," whispered Madame Wachner eagerly, "had already lost eight thousand francs when I went downstairs to look for you! See, they are still losing.

Our friend has the devil's own luck to-night! I have forbidden L'Ami Fritz to play at all.

Nothing can stand against her.

She sweeps the money up every time.