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 and the gay life of the Casino attracts me. Then there is roulette at Monte Carlo, which I find alluring.

. But, Laura, you are not serious! You don't really mean it?

. I am utterly serious. I have every intention of trying my luck.

. [To ] Have you talked with Ramón?

. No. Why do you ask?

. He has something to tell you.

. About…

. Yes, they are leaving for Paris.

. Do you believe it is true?

. It was to be expected after the trouble. You should be greatly relieved. It is the best possible solution. That woman is dangerous.

. I am not satisfied as yet… I never saw Gonzalo so preoccupied; he was infatuated in sober earnest.

. I am sceptical myself.

. [To ] The story has become common property. You were head over heels in love, like a schoolboy. What with strolls through the Moncloa and out to the Casa de Campo, to say nothing of a fortune squandered in presents… Why, my friends have done nothing but meet you in the shops all winter, jewellers' shops, florists' and confectioners' quite indifferently. Apparently her tastes were expensive. To cap the climax, somebody surprised you buying a tambourine with red tassels on it, and pictures of bull-fighters painted all over it.

. How people do love to gossip! There is nothing unusual in my making purchases of that nature. Correspondents abroad are continually sending me commissions, or I have friends to oblige who live in foreign countries. Generally, they wish something distinctively Spanish, perhaps for a gift, or else as a memento.