The Casino, which doubtless appears to you a bright, pretty place, has been the scene and the cause of many a tragedy.

Do you know how Paris regards Lacville ?" he asked searchingly.
"No--yes," Sylvia hesitated.

"You see I never heard of Lacville till about a week ago." Innate honesty compelled her to add, "But I have heard that the Paris trades-people don't like Lacville." "Let me tell you one thing," the Count spoke with extraordinary seriousness.

"Every tradesman in Paris, without a single exception, has signed a petition imploring the Government to suspend the Gambling Concession!" "What an extraordinary thing!" exclaimed Sylvia, and she was surprised indeed.
"Pardon me, it is not at all extraordinary.

A great deal of the money which would otherwise go into the pockets of these tradesmen goes now to enrich the anonymous shareholders of the Casino of Lacville! Of course, Paris hotel-keepers are not in quite the same position as are the other Parisian trades-people.