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Then Houdebine turns to Panchat and says: "Will you have a game of dummy manilla, Panchat?" Dummy manilla is a game for two; and they have to be content with games for two, because no one in this ward can get up, and communication is only easy for those in adjacent beds. Panchat makes a sign of consent. Why should he not play dummy manilla, which is a silent game.

But a good deal of amusement is still to be got out of these precious bits of old paste-board. Panchat supports himself on his elbow, Houdebine has to keep on his back, because of his knee. He holds his cards against his chin, and throws them down energetically on the chair with his right hand.

The chair is rather far off, the cards are dirty, and sometimes Houdebine asks his silent adversary: "What's that?" Panchat takes the card and holds it out at arm's length. Houdebine laughs gaily. He plays his cards one after the other, and dummy's hand also: "Trump! Trump! Trump! And ace of hearts!" Even those who cannot see anything laugh too. Panchat is vexed, but he too laughs noiselessly.

This timid breath kindles the dormant flame. Houdebine, who has a fractured knee, but who now expects to be fairly comfortable till the morning, at once responds and continues: Marguerite! Marguerite! The two sing in unison, with delighted smiles: Si tu veux fair' mon bonheur Marguerite! Marguerite!