“No one can be happy if he feels, as this gentleman does – that he has been very – foolish in losing so much – money in a game in which he had really little – chance of winning.”
She stopped speaking and saw that the Duke was astounded.
Then he asked,
“Is this the truth, Lionel?”
“I am afraid it is.”
“I realised that Arthur was making a killing last night, but I hoped that you had the sense to stop before you were seriously involved.”
“You must blame your good wines for giving me a false optimism,” Lord Dartford replied.
The Duke was frowning.
“I think Miss Benson is right. High stakes should be kept for the Clubs and not permitted in private houses where it is difficult for guests to break up a table or go to bed sooner than anyone else. I blame myself for letting this happen.”
“
