While my Party is out of power, there is nothing left for us but to mark time.

I dare say you mean well, Mr.Draconmeyer," he added, rising to his feet, "but I am here to forget politics altogether, if I can.

If you will excuse me, I think I will look in at the baccarat rooms." He was on the point of departure when through the open doorway which communicated with the baccarat rooms beyond came a man of sufficiently arresting personality, a man remarkably fat, with close-cropped grey hair which stuck up like bristles all over his head; a huge, clean-shaven face which seemed concentrated at that moment in one tremendous smile of overwhelming good-humour.

He held by the hand a little French girl, dark, small, looking almost like a marionette in her slim tailor-made costume.

He recognised Draconmeyer with enthusiasm.
"My friend Draconmeyer," he exclaimed, in stentorian tones, "baccarat is the greatest game in the world.