The things we do!

They were always good-natured and kind to the little girl who
sat so still and close to her father's side, watching the game
with her quick, intelligent eyes; though some of them, foolish
smooth-faced lads, perhaps, would go away cursing the fate
that had ever led them across M. Linders' path, and carrying
an undying hatred in their hearts for the handsome courteous
man who had enticed them on to ruin. How M. Linders lured
these poor birds into the snare, and by what means he plucked
them when there, Madelon never knew; all that belonged to the
darker side of this character, which she never fully
understood, and on which, for her sake, we will not dwell.
Most of all, however, did Madelon enjoy being at the German
watering-places, for then she went out with her father
constantly. The fair-haired, brown-eyed little girl was almost
as well-known in the Kursaals of Homburg and Wiesbaden as the
famous gambler himself, as evening after evening they entered
the great lighted salons together, and took their places
amongst the motley crowd gathered round the long green tables.


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