Her expression became at once more normal.

She did not remove her eyes but she very slightly inclined her head towards the man.

He, in return, bowed very gravely and without a smile.
The table in front of her was cleared now.

People were beginning to consider their next coup.

The voice of the croupier, with his parrot-like cry, travelled down the board.
_"Faites vos jeux, mesdames et messieurs."_ The woman made no effort to stake.