Bella groaned internally, but did not let him see her disappointment. She had no reason to stay, and he was staying, so now she had to return home without winnings and hope that her room-mates would not question her about her absence. She was also not pleased about Arthur Pettigrew's response, not because she hated owing favors but because she was going to live in anticipation until the day he cashed in her favor.

"I suppose you will," she said, and stood up to leave.

---