But when a voice has volume, and the great
habit of articulation has been brought to perfection, the words travel
surprisingly.
Zoe heard the lady say to Ashmead, scarcely above her breath, "Well, but
if he requested you to bet for him, how can he blame you?"
Zoe could not catch Ashmead's reply, but it was accompanied by a shake of
the head; so she understood him to object.
Then, after a little more discussion, Ina Klosking said, "What money have
you of mine?"
Ashmead produced some notes.
"Very well," said the Klosking. "Now, I shall take my twenty-five pounds,
and twenty-five pounds of his, and play. When he returns, we shall, at
all events, have twenty-five pounds safe for him. I take the
responsibility."
"Oh," thought Zoe; "then he _is_ coming back. Ah, I shall see what all
this means." She felt sick at heart.
Zoe Vizard was on the other side, but not opposite Mademoiselle Klosking;
she was considerably to the right hand; and as the new-comer was much
occupied, just at first, with Ashmead, who sat on her left, Zoe had time
to dissect her, which she did without mercy. Well, her costume was
beautifully made, and fitted on a symmetrical figure; but as to color, it
was neutral--a warm French gray, and neither courted admiration nor
risked censure: it was unpretending.
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