CHAPTER XXIIICONCLUSION
ASHTON-KIRK, with Miss Knowles and Scanlon, entered the billiard room a few moments later.
Miss Hohenlo greeted them despairingly.
“Frederic’s game is disgraceful,” she said. “I never saw him play so badly.”
“In that case,” laughed Ashton-Kirk, “it will be a charity to relieve you of him. Miss Knowles, I am sure, will take his place with credit.”
The girl gave him a quick glance; then she went to the table and took the cue from Campe’s hand.
“I don’t think I have much of a chance against Miss Hohenlo,” smiled she. “She’s always been too clever for me.”
“My dear,” cried the spinster, reproachfully, “you play an excellent game. Indeed, I am never quite at ease with you.”
“That maiden-lady’s pretty able,” spoke Scanlon to Ashton-Kirk, a few moments later in the
