Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-10-07
FEMALE GAMBLERS.

On no occasion did watch higher play than
on the evening of the dress ball. All the best
company in Baden were assembled, and the
birds Of prey, whose profession 1t was 10 watch
them, doubtless came armed for the encounter,
and prepared to STOOL them to the top OF tnen
bent" The following day was Sunday. We
passed through the public walks on our way 10
church; and having time to spare, looked INTO
the rooms, which even at that early hour mao
crowd of people hanging round the gaming Ia
bles. On our return we entered them again,
and then this frightfu scene OF madness was AZ
its height. doubt if any thing, less than the
evidence of the senses, can enaoie any one iu,
a gaming table offers. | saw women dlstin.
guished by rank, elegant in person. modest, and
even reserved in manner, sitting at the rogue
ct noir table with rateauX and marking cards IN
their hands; the former to push forth their bets
and draw in their winnings the latter 10 PRICK
down the events of the game. saw such at
different hours through the whole Of Sunday
To name these is impossible; but grieve to say
that two English women were among them
There was one of this set whom watched day
after day during the whole period of our stay,
with more interest than, believe, was reason
able; for had studied any other as attentive
ly, might have found less to lament. She was
young-certanly not more than twenty-five
and though not regularly and brilliantly hand
some most singularly winning, both in person
and demeanor.
Her dress was elegant, but particularly plain
and simple. close white silk bonnet and
gauze veil; a quiet-colored silk gown, with less
Of flourish and frill by half than any other per-
son; delicate little hand, which, when unslov-
ed, displayed some handsome rings; jewelled
watch of peculiar spendor, and countenance
expressive of anxious thoughtfulness, must be
remembered by many who were at Baden
IN, rpmpmhPr
that, enter the rooms when they would, morn
ing, noon or night, still they found her, nearly
at the same play, at the rouge-et-noir table,
Her husband, who had as unquestlonably the
air of gentleman as she had Of lady, though
not always close to her, was never very distant.
He did not play himself and fancied, as he
lowered near her, that his countenance express
sed anxiety; but he returned the sweet smile
with which she always met his eye, with an an
swering smile: and saw not the slightest indi-
cation that he wished to withdraw her from the
table. There was an expression in the upper
part of her face that my laundering science
| would have construed into something very
foreign to the propensity she showed; but there
she sat hour after hour, and day after day, not
even allowing the blessed Sabbath, that gives
rest to ALL to bringit to her; there she sat con-
stantly throwing down handfuls of five-franc
pieces, and sometimes drawing them back
again, till her young face grew rigid from wea-
rness, and all the lustre Of her eyes faded into
glare Of vexed inanity.
Alas! alas! is that fair woman mother2-
God forbid! Another figure at the gaming-ta-
Bile, which daily drew our attention. was pale
anxious old woman, who seemed no longer to
have strength to conceal her eager agitation
under the air of callous Indifference, which all
practised players endeavour to assume. She
trembled till her shaking hand could hardly
grasp the instrument with which she pushed or
withdrew her pieces; the dew of agony stood
upon her wrinkIed brow; yet hour after hour,
and day after day, she too sat in the enchanted
chair. | never saw age and station in position
so utterly oey ond the pale of respect. was as
sured she was person of rank; and my inform
ant added, but trust that she was mistaken,
that she was an Englishwoman-Belgium and
Western Germany, bV Mrs Trollop.