“They’ll get some one else to take my place,” she said cheerfully. But she was wrong. No attempt was made to find another player, and after the young man had built three stories of a card–house, which fell down, the players strolled off in different directions.

‘Not a solitary single individual dem, my soul,’ and Mr Mantalini, raising himself upon his elbow.

Prince Andrew began to explain to her the reasons for this delay. Natasha did not hear him.