Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/247

Rh he lost to Zoritch something like three hundred thousand rubles. He was in despair about it, and went to his mother who was anything but forbearing with young men's escapades, but somehow she always was more indulgent with Tchaplitzki than with any of her other sons. She told him of three cards to stake on, one after the other, exacting from him a solemn promise never again to touch a card while he lived. Tchaplitzki sought Zoritch immediately and asked him for a chance to win back his money. On the first card, he put fifty thousand rubles; he won, doubled his stakes and won again. Finally with his three cards he settled his debt and even had something to the good. . .. But here it is six o'clock! Don't you think it is high time we all went to bed."

Each man emptied his glass and went home.

The old Countess Anna Fedotovna was in her dressing-room, seated before a looking-glass. Three maids hovered about her; one held a rouge pot, another a box of pins and the third was adjusting an enormous lace cap, trimmed with