Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-08-04
ALEXANDRIA, VA~ WEDNESDAY AUGUST T. 1875
and then promised to meet again 10 few

ponded speaking to her father. whose loss had
been very great,
The meeting of the party again took place as
arranged, and Foscarini lost all be possessed in
the world-his palaces in Florence aud Naples,
his villas at the foot Of Vesuvius and in the
neighborhood of Rome; there remained not
vestige of bis large fortune. He was ruined.
Through the closed shutters and crimson cur
tains the day was piercing, and made the dying
candles look still more pale. Of these six
gamblers four resembled statues The immense
losses of their host amazed shem, although ao
eustomed as they were to loss as q result Of
gaming.
Two men alone among them seemed to retain
their self.possession, and they we're LIE Roy and
Foscarlni. The latter was searching bis pockets
in vain hope Of finding something to stake, but
not even his watch remained. His countenance
was terrible to behold.
Gentlemen" be at length said, "all I once
had is now yours, and you can With authority
bid me quit this house, which is no longer
mine" -.
Marquis p exclaimed LIE Roy.
NAY, listen to me, continued Foscarini; sd-
dressing LIE Roy.
"Y You once loved my daughter, and refused
you her hand"
"You did,"
''Do you love her still ?"
Yes, fervently."
Again, repeat, are you sure that you love
her as you once professed p
II do"
What say you, then. to play for her p
At these terrible words all the gamesters
arose, but were incapable Of speaking, so great
was their excitement 10 gesture they im plored
LIE Boy to refuse.
did you hear me2" continued Foscarini.
"Will yon play for the possession Of my
daughter ?" =
will you not accept me as your son-in-law
Monsieur lie Marquis? If so, I beg to restore to
you all that chance has given, and that you have
lost through me-.
;, Il refuse most positively" responded the
Marquis
"Then | accept your proposition" replied LIE
Roy coldly; now listen to mine."
All present expressed horror at such an ar
rangement. Foscarini returned their gaze with
one of sovereign contempt and indiferen noe.
Then turning to LIE Roy he said, "Be it as you
WISH"
II play for your daughter" replied the young
officer, against all | possess in the world, my
name. my person and my honor"
1T Is well, T" responded the Marquis, as he
speedily threw three cards upon the table. They
were three aces. LIE Roy also threw three cards;
they were three tens; he drew fourth card, it
was also ten. He had gained.
All arose, desiring to depart. As they saluted
the Marquis they saw that he was weeping. The
loss of his child and bis millions had reduced
him to a state OF wretchedness beyond even the
misery of mendicity,
LIE Roy approached The Marquis. For 40 in
atap pt ha pauead
Monsieur lie Marquis, he said, at length,
this has been horrible dream; you have lost
nothing and gained nothing
Nv hat do you mean p inquired Fosoariui.
"You say have lost nothing Ask those who
leave this house laden with my gold if I have
lost nothing. Oh, no. my tears and emotion are
naught to you"
thus speaking he passed from the room, and
no one attempted to prevent him so doing, and
soon LIE Roy found himself alone in the apart
ment.
The young officer was about to depart when
Foscarin suddenly re-entered the apartment &C.
companied by Olympia.
Monsieur" ne said, addressing LIE Roy, II
am aware of my position, but even DOW I tell
you that you cannot be my sonin-Iaw."
"Wby?' demanded LIE Roy; II have DOW not
only the right of her preference and my own,
but the right Of honor-a debt of honor on your
part
And yet say it cannot be. You, although
an officer in the army, are Of humble brth--you
are not noble. Olympia cannot be your wife,
at least not while live. Nevertheless, as you
say, in point of honor she belongs to you; yet
while hold my claim still have something to
other"
These horrid words chilled bis listener to the
soul. Having spoken, the NJ arquis locked the
door and placed the key 10 his pocket.
drawing two pistols from bis pocket. ''You see
they are both alike, and both unoaded. will
load one Of them. Olympia shall, while our
backs are turned. place them both on the table.
You shallthe choose. and We will fire at the
same moment. Should kill you, my daughter
returns with me to Italy. IF you, on the contra.
ry, kill me, Olympia is at liberty to give you her
haad. She will care but little that you will have
been the assassin of her father"
LIE Roy would have spoken or left the house
but reading his design, the Marquis anticipated
him. 49,
"If you take one step" he exclaimed, "or
utter one word. ! will fire upon you, and then
upon Olympia"
At these wor ds the young girl uttered wild
cry and fell faintidg at bis feet.
Have you no mercy p inquired LIE Roy.
None, responded FoscarinL "Sipoe must
act will do so" He at once Mingled the pis-
tolls, his back being turned from LIE Roy. The
young officer, obedient to the order Of the Mar
quis selected pistol. Attaching them to the
corner of a handkerchief they fired at the same
instant. n>t,.. = ~
LIE Roy had won; but Olympia Foscarini lay.
dead beside her father.
RENADINES, LAWNS, &c. !"
" a-'t4l