Now, I refuse to let you and Mr. Lennox quarrel over the
manners, habits and personal characteristics of Tandakora. Come, Mr.
Lennox, I'm about to present you to a lady with whom you are going to
dance."
Robert went away with him and he saw that Boucher, who was left behind,
was frowning, but he danced with the lady and others, and as the
excitement of the moment mounted again to his head he forgot all about
Boucher. He saw too that de Galisonniere had abandoned his restraint,
and had plunged into the gayety with all the enthusiasm and delight of
one to whom pleasure was natural. After a while de Courcelles hooked his
arm again in Robert's and said: "Come, I'll show you something."
He led the way down a narrow passage, and then into a large apartment,
well lighted, though not so brilliantly as the ballroom. A clicking
sound had preceded their entrance, and Robert was aware that he was in
the famous gambling room of Monsieur Bigot. Nearly twenty men, including
the Intendant himself, Cadet and Pean, were there, gambling eagerly with
cards or dice.
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