Page:Quartette - Kipling (1885).djvu/129

 (Enter Smallweed.) I was just proposing a little lesson in whist to pass the time before the dák comes in.

—Isn't it rather dull work playing with a dummy?

—You learn just as much I think; but,—happy thought!—perhaps the loafer, our prisoner, plays.

(eagerly)—I'm sure he does!

—Like all your sex, Edie, when a man is in trouble, you are kind to him, and forthwith invest him with sorts of fanciful attributes. Now, why should you think he plays whist?

(confused).—Because, because,—he has a sensible expression of face.

(sneering).—Because, in addition to being a violent blackguard, he is probably a professional gambler and black-leg!

—We'll see, any how. Bearer. Tash ki mez taiyár karo!

(Bearer places card table with deep cloth cover in centre of stage, produces cards, and exit.)

(Bulthrop beckons to Nubbee Baksh and prisoner.) Hi! you! By the way, what's your name?

(coming down)—Smith, sir!

(drily).—Yes, I thought so. Well, Smith, can you play whist?

(lighting up).—Yes, sir.

—By George! Edith's right. He looks as if he could. You see, Smith, these young people hvaehave [sic] very hazy notions about whist, and I much want to teach them better. You perhaps know that in whist it is possible to set up a conversation with the cards you throw out. Conversation is not a matter of lips and tongue alone—eh?

(looking at Edith.)—Not altogether, sir.

(to Wilmot).—I suppose you've had a good deal of leisure to study cards,—in prison, you know.

—I never played whist in prison, but when I have been in a mess I have found it passes the time.

—You have been in a good many messessmesses [sic] I expect.

(carelessly).—Yes, a few! (Moves up to table.)

—The hardened villain! He glories in his crimes.