}

I cannot say that I have.

{Knox}

Do you understand the game of poker?

{Sakari}

(_Considering._) Yes, a marvelous game. I have learned it--at Yale.
It was very expensive.

{Knox}

Well, that story reminds me of our grafting politicians.
They have no moral compunctions. They look upon theft as
right--eminently right. They see nothing wrong in the arrangement
that the man who deals the cards should give himself the best in
the deck. Never mind what he deals himself, they'll have the deal
next and make up for it.

{Dolores Ortega}

But the story, Mr. Knox. I, too, understand poker.

{Knox}

It occurred out in Nevada, in a mining camp. A tenderfoot was
watching a game of poker, He stood behind the dealer, and he saw
the dealer deal himself four aces from the bottom of the deck.

(_From now on, he tells the story in the slow, slightly drawling
Western fashion._) The tenderfoot went around to the player on the
opposite side of the table.

"Say," he says, "I just seen the dealer give himself four aces
off the bottom."

The player looked at him a moment, and said, "What of it?"

"Oh, nothing," said the tenderfoot, "only I thought you might
want to know. I tell you I seen the dealer give himself four aces
off the bottom."

"Look here, Mister," said the player, "you'd better get out of
this. You don't understand the game. It's HIS deal, ain't it?"

{Margaret}

(_Arising while they are laughing._) We've talked politics long
enough. Dolores, I want you to tell me about your new car.

{Knox}

(_As if suddenly recollecting himself._) And I must be going.

(_In a low voice to Margaret._) Do I have to shake hands with all
these people?

{Margaret}

(_Shaking her head, speaking low._) Dear delightful Ali Baba.

{Knox}

(_Glumly._) I suppose I've made a fool of myself.

{Margaret}

(_Earnestly._) On the contrary, you were delightful. I am proud of
you.

(_As Knox shakes hands with Margaret, Sakari arises and comes
forward_).

{Sakari}

I, too, must go. I have had a charming half hour, Mrs. Chalmers.
But I shall not attempt to thank you.

(_He shakes hands with Margaret._)

(_Knox and Sakari proceed to make exit to rear._)

(_Just as they go out, Servant enters, carrying card-tray, and
advances toward Starkweather._)

(_Margaret joins Dolores Ortega and Chalmers, seats herself with
them, and proceeds to talk motor-cars._)

(_Servant has reached Starkweather, who has taken a teleg