Chapter IV: Mme. Borté

(_Leaning over a man's right shoulder for some gold on the table._) I beg pardon; that is my two louis!

MME. LAUTRE.

(_Leaning over the man's left shoulder._) But no, madame, it is mine! I put a louis down there!

MME. BORTÉ.

No, no! That is where I put mine. Give me my louis!

MME. LAUTRE.

But you are wrong, madame; it is my louis, and I shall keep it!

MME. BORTÉ.

But no, madame!

MME. LAUTRE.

But yes----!

THREE WOMEN BESIDE MME. BORTÉ.

Yes, madame is right. She certainly put a louis down there.

THE SAME NUMBER OF WOMEN BESIDE MME. LAUTRE.

No, it is the other madame who put the money down there.

A MAN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE TABLE.

Ssss----

UN MONSIEUR.

Oh, the women! the women!--always rowing!

CROUPIER.

Make your plays, gentlemen!

MME. LAUTRE AND MME. BORTÉ.

(_Together; each to her own coterie._) You know perfectly it is my louis; isn't it? Oh, never in my life! Never! never!

(_The game continues, and so does the discussion._)

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