Suppose she was with Marjorie when the telegram arrived.”
“You've got to try and stop thinking about things.
Can you throw craps?”.
“No.”
“That's easy, I'll show you.
There'll be some dice in the backgammon board.”
“I'm all right, really.
I'd sooner not play.”
“You get the dice and sit up here at the table.
We've got six hours to get through.”
She showed him how to throw craps.
He said,
“I've seen it on the cinema — pullman porters and taxi men.”
“Of course you have, it's easy … there you see you've won, you take all.”
Presently Tony said,
“I've just thought of something.”
“Don't you ever take a rest from thinking?”
“Suppose the evening papers have got hold of it already. Brenda may see it on a placard, or just pick up a paper casually and there it will be … perhaps with a photograph.”
“Yes, I thought of that just now, when you were talking about telegraphing.”
“But it's quite likely, isn't it?
They get hold of everything so quickly.
What can we do about it?”
“There isn't anything we can do. We've just got to wait … Come on, boy, throw up.”
“I don't want to play any more.
I'm worried.”
“I know you're worried.
You don't have to tell me … you aren't going to give up playing just when the luck's running your way?”
“I'm sorry … it isn't any good.”
He walked about the room, first to the window, then to the fireplace.
He began to fill his pipe.
“At least we can find out whether the evening papers have got it in.
We can ring up and ask the hall porter at my club.”
“That's not going to prevent your wife reading it.
We've just got to wait.
What was the game you said you knew?
Animal something?” “Snap.” “Well you come show me that.”
“It's just a child's game..
It would be ridiculous with two.
“I'll learn it.”
“Well each of us chooses an animal.”
“All right, I'm a hen and you're a dog.
Now what?”
Tony explained.
“I'd say it was one of those games that you have to feel pretty good first, before you can enjoy them,” said Mrs. Rattery.
“But I'll try anything.”
They each took a pack and began dealing.
Soon a pair of eights appeared.
“Bow-wow,” said Mrs. Rattery, scooping in the cards.
Another pair.
“Bow-wow,” said Mrs. Rattery.