But make it something I can say when ladies are present--" Tressilvain's mink-like muzzle turned white with rage.

He didn't like to be flouted, he didn't like his cards, he didn't like to lose money.

And he had already lost a lot between luncheon and the impending dinner.
"Why the devil I continue to hold all these three-card suits I don't know," he said savagely.

"Isn't there another pack in the house ?" "There _was_" said Malcourt; and ironically condoled with him as Portlaw accomplished a little slam in hearts.
Then Tressilvain dealt; and Malcourt's eyes never left his brother-in-law's hands as they distributed the cards with nervous rapidity.
"Misdeal," he said quietly.
"What ?" demanded his sister in sharp protest.
"It's a misdeal," repeated Malcourt, smiling at her; and, as Tressilvain, half the pack suspended, gazed blankly at him, Malcourt turned and looked him squarely in the eye.

The other reddened.
"Too bad," said Malcourt, with careless good-humour, "but one has to be so careful in dealing the top card, Herby.