580 ANGEL PAVEMENT

meant that business was good/'

"Yes, of course, that's what I feel," said Mrs. Dersing-
ham, pausing in her dealing. "I suppose they've had a
sudden rush or something."

'That's splendid, isn't it?J> cried Mrs. Pearson. "I do
like to hear of anybody I know doing so well. So many
people don't now, do they?"

"It's made a great difference to Howard, being so
busy/' said Mrs, Dersingham, still with the cards motion-
less in her hand. "He really likes being in the City now.
He was getting very depressed about it some time ago.
Now let me see—"

"The next card should be mine," said Miss Verever
coldly.

"Oh, should it? That's all right, then." And she con-
tinued dealing.

"Well, I didn't want to say anything at the time, my
dear," Mrs. Pearson began, but she was cut short. Mrs,
Dersingham looked up to see Miss Verever, on her right,
giving her a terrible glance, and so she hastily declared
"Pass."

"But I thought he seemed rather depressed about it,
too," Mrs. Pearson continued. "About six months ago,
wasn't it?"

"One Heart'' said Miss Verever, quietly, but with a
fearful intonation. "One Heart."

"Oh dear, have you started bidding already? How
quick you are with your cards!" Mrs. Pearson began
sorting hers in a frantic fashion. "Did you say One
Heart? You did, didn't you? Well, after last time, I
shall say—nothing/'

"But it's not your turn to say anything," Mr. Pearson
pointed out. "In this game, your husband for once gets