Page:Confidence (London, Macmillan & Co., 1921).djvu/49

 "But is that considered here a proof of rakishness?" asked Bernard. "Haven't you played a little yourself?"

Gordon hesitated a moment.

"Yes, I have played a little. I wanted to try some experiments. I had made some arithmetical calculations of probabilities, which I wished to test."

Bernard gave a long laugh.

"I am delighted with the reasons you give for amusing yourself. Arithmetical calculations!"

"I assure you they are the real reasons!" said Gordon, blushing a little.

"That's just the beauty of it. You were not afraid of being 'drawn in,' as little Miss Evers says?"

"I am never drawn in, whatever the thing may be. I go in, or I stay out; but I am not drawn," said Gordon Wright.

"You were not drawn into coming with Mrs. Vivian and her daughter from Dresden to this place?"

"I didn't come with them; I came a week later."

"My dear fellow," said Bernard, "that distinction is unworthy of your habitual candour."

"Well, I was not fascinated; I was not overmastered. I wanted to come to Baden."

"I have no doubt you did. Had you become very intimate with your friends in Dresden?"

"I had only seen them three times."

"After which you followed them to this place? Ah, don't say you were not fascinated!" cried Bernard, laughing and springing to his feet. 41