Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/140

 nerally advantageous connections. If what is whispered be correct, that the marquis is unfortunately implicated in political affairs.”

“But,” demanded the countess, “what then has the marquis done to the bankers of the gaming-table?”

“Nothing; except that he betted on cards which almost invariably won. And what renders it rather singular, he scarcely derived any advantage from it himself, for he always adhered to the weakest party. But the other punters were not so scrupulous; for they charged their cards in such a manner that the bank broke before the deal had gone round.”

The countess was on the point of asking other questions, when the marquis coming in changed the conversation.

“Here you are at last!” exclaimed several persons at the same moment.

“We have,” said the countess, “been most anxious for your society; and just on this day you have been longer than usual absent.”

“I have projected an important expedition; and it has succeeded to my wishes. I hope by to-morrow there will not be a single gaming-table left here. I have been from one gambling-room to another; and there are not sufficient post-horses to carry off the ruined bankers.”