Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1852-12-25

oxen of assent. NaroumoH laughIngly compll-
Hermann on having conquered his former
and wished him all sorts of luck in his
new career 81
There 7 said Hermann, having written some
figures on the back of his card.
How much ?? said the banker, half closing his
eyes. Excuse me don't see the amount
Forty thousand roubles,' replied Her
mann.
At these words all eyes were turned on the
young officer. lie has lost his senses, thought
NaroumofF
ALLOW me to observe to you, sir, said Tcheka-
linsk, with the same eternal smile, that you play
rather high No one here ever puts down more
than two hundred and seyenty.fye roubles on the
first card
sVery WELL, returned Hermann; but will you
meet my stake =? Yes or no 2
Tchekalinski bowed his acceptance observing,
however, l merely wished you to know that, al
though | have the most perfect confidence in my
friends, can only deal to ready money. l am
convinced that your word is as good as gold but
in the regularity of the game, and to facilitate cal
culations, l shall be obliged to you to put your
money on your card
Hermann drew note from his pocket book, and
handed it over to Tchekalnski, who satisfied gifts
value at a glance, placed it on Hermann's card.
He then dealt. To the right hand Ten was
turned; to the left THREE
4 win 7 said Hermann ; showing his card.
murmur of astonishment spread amongst the
PLAYERS For an instant the bankers brows con-
traced, but his habitual smile Immediately re-
turned.
Shall pay you?' he asked.
IF you please, was the reply.
Tchckalinski took some bank notes from his port
folio, and handed them to Hermann who
pocketed his winnings, and left the table. Narou-
mof could not recover from his surprise. Her
mann stayed only to drink glass of lemonade,
and then went home.
The next evening Hermann returned to Tcheka-
linski's and found him dealing as before He
went up to the table the players made room for
him, and the banker smiled as he approached lie
waited for the next deal, and then took card on
which he put down not only his original forty sew
Ell thousand roubles, but the sum which he had,won
the night before. Tchekanski dealt: Knave
was turned up on the right, a Seven on the left
Hermann showed Seven
There was general exclamation. Tchekalin-
ski was evidently i'll at ease he counted out nine
| ty-four thousand roubles, and gave them to Her
mann, who took them with the greatest GOODNESS
and left room
On the following day he returned at the accus
toned hour. Every one was on the tiptoe of eX
pectaton even the old generals and privy-cou
cillors left their whist to witness play of such unu
sual magnitude. The young officers quilted thei
sofas, and the people Of the house all focked round
Hermann was the objects ofeverybody's attention
At his entrance all the other players ceased, pant
ing in their Impotence to see him set to work witt
the banker, who, pale, but smiling STILL observed
gle to play with him. Each ofthem at the SAM
time undid pack of cards. Tchekalinski shuff1ed
Hermann cut he took a card, and covered it witt
heap of bank notes. The movements on eacl
side were like the preparations for a duel. A dee
silence reigned through the hall.
Tchekalinski began to deal-his hands trembled
He turned up Queen on the right, on the left a
i Ace.
The Ace WINS said Hermann, uncovering hi
card.
Your Queen has lost ? observed Tchekalinsk
in the softest tone possible.
Hermann started Instead of an Ace, HE sa7
before him the Queen of Spades He could nc
believe his eyes, nor underestimate how he could hav
made such mistake. With his eyes fixed on tn
} fatal card, it seemed to him that the Queen
Spades winked at him, and smiled derisively II
recognised with horror strange resemblance be
/ tween the Queen of Spades and the Countess Al
ma Fedotovna.
Accused old woman = he muttered betwee
his teeth.
e Tchekalinski raked up his winnings Herman
I remained for sometime motionless-stupifed.-
a When at last he left the table there was a buzz
conversation THAT was famous stake ? sal
the players. Tchekalinski shuffled the cards, an
&; the game went on.
Hermann went mad. He is now in the lunat
S hospital of Oboukhof, in cell No II. He neve
: replies to any question that is addressed to hin
1 butts heard necessarily repeating 'Three-Seye
: Ace Three-Seven-Qu !!
: Lisabeta Ivanovna married avery amiable youn
i man, the son of the steward of the late COUNTIES
Prince Paul became the husband of the Princes
Pauline