Madame has indeed a head for affairs, but she also has
a woman's heart, which sometimes interferes with a woman's head in the
most disastrous manner."
"Article No. 1 of the protocol. _Allez toujours_, Monsieur."
I went on, feeling happier. "The next article treats of a little matter
which I understand has been the cause of differences in the past between
Madame and yourself. Madame, although she has not entered the arena
for some time, has not finally abandoned it." I smiled at the look of
surprise on Lola's face. "An artist is always an artist, Monsieur. She
is willing, however, to renounce it for ever, if you, on your side, will
make quite a small sacrifice."
"Name it, Monsieur."
"You have a little passion for baccarat----"
"Surely, Monsieur," said he blandly, "my wife would not expect me to
give up what is the mere recreation of every clubman."
"As a recreation pure and simple--she would not insist too much,
but----" I shrugged my shoulders. I flatter myself on being able to do
it with perfect French expressiveness.
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