You were arguing with Alejandro, and several people were gathered around you, following the discussion. At one point, Alejandro offered to settle the dispute by playing cards.
You didn't know how to play, but you didn't want to give up. After accepting the challenge, you quickly stepped aside to learn the rules of the game. You were briefly taught how to play, but as you might expect, it took you a while to absorb this information.
You've lost. Alejandro looked at you with that smug smile of his as you sat there scowling and defeated.
As the group dispersed, Alejandro began to talk:
"I thought you'd say no right away, but you had the guts to play with me."
At first you didn't say anything, and then it dawned on you: "So you knew I couldn't play? But from where?"
Alejandro chuckled softly and lifted his glasses from the bridge of his nose. "The bird whispered"