While
she was reposing, came Joseph Ashmead, to cheer her, with good
photographs of her, taken the day before. She smiled gratefully at his
zeal. He also reminded her that he had orders to take her to the Kursaal:
he said the tables would be well filled from five o'clock till quite
late, there being no other entertainment on foot that evening.
Ina thanked him, and said she would not miss going on any account; but
she was rather fatigued and faint.
"Oh, I'll wait for you as long as you like," said Ashmead, kindly.
"No, my good comrade," said Ina. "I will ask you to go to the manager and
get me a little money, and then to the Kursaal and secure me a place at
the table in the largest room. There I will join you. If _he_ is not
there--and I am not so mad as to think he will be there--I shall risk a
few pieces myself, to be nearer him in mind."
This amazed Ashmead; it was so unlike her. "You are joking," said he.
"Why, if you lose five napoleons at play, it will be your death; you will
grizzle so."
"Yes; but I shall not lose. I am too unlucky in love to lose at cards. I
mean to play this afternoon; and never again in all my life.
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