Chapter II: Mlle. Nina

(_Young, very beautiful, in an exquisite gown from Laferiere, with gorgeous jewels and a wonderful hat._)

Who is the banker?

MLLE. FIFI.

(_Equally charming, as magnificently jeweled, and as exquisitely gowned; also a chapeau of wonderful birds, such as never sang in any wood._)

He? He is an old Russian. He has millions and millions, my dear!

MLLE. NINA.

(_Raising her eyebrows and regarding the banker affectionately._) Really?

MLLE. FIFI.

Yes, yes; and he is a perfect gentleman. He gave Lala of the Vaudeville three strings of pearls in two days. He is very generous and altogether nice.

MLLE. NINA.

(_Jealously._) Do you know him?

MLLE. FIFI.

O no, my dear; he is not my style. You know I never like a gentleman who parts his hair on the left side. It's my fad.

MLLE. NINA.

(_Very pleasantly._) Have you won to-night, dearie?

MLLE. FIFI.

Ah, yes, my dear! _Think!_ two thousand francs already!

MLLE. NINA.

(_Very sweetly, moving away._) So much the better. I've lost like the devil. (_She very slowly makes a detour of the table in the direction of the Russian banker. At the same time an elderly gentleman approaches Mlle. Fifi and speaks to her._)

LE MONSIEUR.

Good evening, my dear!

MLLE. FIFI.

Good evening, my pig of a Prince!

LE MONSIEUR.

You have won?

MLLE. FIFI.

Oh, but _no_, my dear! I have lost _enormously_! It is _terrible_ what I've done! I have lost nearly _all_ I have!

MLLE. NINA.

(_Who has just arrived behind the banker, leaning over his shoulder and watching him win an enormous coup._) Ah, ha! You see, Monsieur, I bring you good fortune always!

THE BANKER.

I didn't know you were behind me, mademoiselle. (_He looks up. She smiles sweetly and innocently. He is pleased._)

MLLE. NINA.

Oh, yes, for a long time!

THE BANKER.

You don't play?

MLLE. NINA.

(_With a manner altogether modest, and a soft, low voice._) Oh, no; never! I have nothing to risk; besides, it doesn't amuse me very much. I never play.

THE BANKER.

Put on that hundred francs just to try your fortune.

MLLE. NINA.

(_Leaning over, takes the note from the pile._) If you wish it. (_She plays and wins; brushes his cheek and shoulder with her arm as she reaches over to take up her money._)

(_The play continues._)

MLLE. NINA.

(_Still winning._) You know you are very nice. (_She plays again with a note from the banker's pile._)