The game was renewed.

Desnoyers, seeing himself isolated by the scornful silence, felt greatly tempted to break up the playing by violence; but the hidden knee continued counselling self-control, and an invisible hand had sought his right, pressing it sweetly.

That was enough to make him recover his serenity.

The Counsellor's Lady seemed to be absorbed in the progress of the game.

He also looked on, a malignant smile contracting slightly the lines of his mouth as he was mentally ejaculating by way of consolation, "Captain, Captain!.