He looked at Nathan, the distinguished author, who now began, with Florine, to play a heavy game against the bank.
"Come, my little man, take 'em up," cried Fanny Beaupre, signing to Oscar to rake in the two hundred francs which Nathan and Florine had punted.
The actress did not spare taunts or jests on those who lost.

She enlivened the game with jokes which Oscar thought singular; but reflection was stifled by joy; for the first two throws produced a gain of two thousand francs.

Oscar then thought of feigning illness and making his escape, leaving his partner behind him; but "honor" kept him there.

Three more turns and the gains were lost.

Oscar felt a cold sweat running down his back, and he was sobered completely.
The next two throws carried off the thousand francs of their mutual stake.