Page:These Old Shades (Heyer 1927).pdf/94



WEEK after Avon's departure for Saumur, Hugh Davenant sat in the library, endeavouring to amuse the very disconsolate Léon with a game of chess.

"I would like to play cards, if you please, m'sieur," said Léon politely, on being asked his pleasure.

"Cards?" repeated Hugh.

"Or dice, m'sieur. Only I have no money."

"We will play chess," said Hugh firmly, and set out the ivory men.

"Very well, m'sieur." Léon privately thought Hugh a little mad, but if he wished to play chess with his friend's page he must of course be humoured.

"Do you think Monseigneur will return soon, m'sieur?” he asked presently. "I remove your bishop." He did so, Hugh's surprise. "It was a little trap," he explained. "Now it is check."

"So I see. I grow careless. Yes, I expect Monseigneur will return quite soon. Farewell to your rook, my child."

"I thought you would do that. Now I move a pawn forward, so!"

"Much ado about nothing, petit. Where did you learn to play this game? Check."

Léon interposed one of his knights. He was not taking a very keen interest in the game.

"I forget, m'sieur."

Hugh looked across at him shrewdly.

"You've a surprisingly short memory, have you not, my friend?"