"It is charming, this," she declared. "Shall we challenge these two
boys, Nigel? You are the only man who understands my leads, and who
does not scold me for my declarations."

"I am perfectly willing," Forrest answered smoothly. "Shall we cut
for deal?"

Cecil de la Borne leaned over and turned up a card.

"I am quite content," he remarked. "What do you say, Engleton?"

Engleton hesitated for a moment. The Princess turned and looked at
him. He was standing upon the hearthrug smoking, his face as
expressionless as ever.

"Let us cut for partners," he drawled. "I am afraid of the Princess
and Forrest. The last time I found them a quite invincible couple."

There was a moment's silence. The Princess glanced toward Forrest,
who only shrugged his shoulders.

"Just as you will," he answered.

He turned up an ace and the Princess a three.

"After all," he remarked, with a smile, "it seems as though fate
were going to link us together."

"I am not so sure," Cecil de la Borne said, also throwing down an