Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-08-04
ALExAaAzErTE 4 VIRGINIA ADvERT1sEI
(FoR THE CoUNTRY)
Published Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays,

uaries will be charged at advertisement rates
for notices over four lines
A GAMBLERS STAKE.
The Marquis Angelo Foscarini had been
travelling throughout Europe for several years,
sanitary measures inducing him to visit Paris.
To the gay metropolis he was accompanied by
his daughter. the beautiful Olympia, she being
the only issue of three most unhappy marri-
ages.
The disappointment of Foscarini's life had
been in not having had an heir. He would
have given bis fortune, almost his life, for a
SOD, one who could perpetuate the noble name
of FoscariDi. His life was passed 10 orgies and
every sort of dissipation. He loved Olympi
not as father should have loved his daughter
but rather because she was beautiful, and one
of the most precious of his possessions. He
kept her always with him, and had refused her
hand in marriage to some Of the most distin-
gushed noblemen in Austria aud Italy.
Remain with me-, he would say; you will
have plenty OF time to marry when am dead. =
After 6ight Of excitement and dissipation
it was his habit to take bath in the Seine, in
order to revive his exhausted energies
One day while bathing be was seized With
cramp, and had not some one rushed to bis re-
server he recognized an officer of the Trabans,
one whom he had met first at Piedmont. and
afterwsrd at Vienna; whose assiduities to Olym-
pia had given him some uneasness.
The young officer on discovering that the
man whose life he had saved was DO other
than the Marquis Foscarini, at once requested
permission to call upon himself and daughter.
To this request the Marquis most ooldIy ac.
guessed, it being impossible under the circum-
stances to venture refusal.
Stephen Leroy at once embraced that adyan-
tage afforded by the position, and within a
month after the.accident the Marquis and LIE
Roy were inseparabe.
LIE Roy was deeply in love with Olympia, but
DOW wisely and cautiously repressed any mani
festation OF his feelngs-moreover, had ex.
pressed himselfto the Marquis as being entirely
cured Of his very extravagauL passion.
He addressed Olympia without any apparent
trembling or embarrassment, paying her only
the ordinary compliments permitted by society.
The Marquis feeling entirely reassured, ,sDd hav
ing perfect confidence, made LIE Roy bis friend
and confident. While the old noblemaD was mis-
led, the young people, nevertheless, understood
each other, and 10 all respects Olympia assisted
her lover in his scheme. Thus Leroy was en-
abled to pass every evening at the hotel of the
Marquis, and in order to humor the noblemau,
became devoted gambler. In one month he
had lost two months salary and all he could
borrow.
Olympia had advised him to play 10 order to
ingratiate him with her father. She lent him
gold, which he lost, and the more he lost the
more fond the old Marquis became, for be knew
OF no emotion save in plsy,no happiness except
that which was derived from gain. At length
the luck k turned 10 favor of LIE Roy-night after
night he won. The Marquis was devoted to
bouiliotte; this game he had taught Stephen,
who, although Indifferent to its merits, never
theless expressed admiration for the Same.
One evening LIE Roy came half an hour ear
ier to the hotel than was his custom. On the
occasion he brought With him the sum of fifty
louis. 1t was the only money Olympia had 10
her possession. LIE Roy was without means.
and was obliged to submit to circumstances, as
failure to play would have called forth the III
will Of the Marquis and deprive them of meet.
This is all that remains" said Olympia,
sadly.
"ShouId lose it this life of deception must
end, responded LIE Roy. II will then 70
to the Marquis and request your hand in mar.
And if refused" replied the young girl.
Then l will blow out my brains, was the
quiet rejoinder.
Olympia shuddered at the words, for she
well knew that LIE Roy would keep his vow
faithfully.
There is happiness 10 life," she mur
INJURED. ~.
Yes, there is happiness in life if that life
be shared by you, he responded. But de-
prived Of that hope | refuse to live. -
And death Have you no fear of death ?'
No, Olympia. :" be replied, thoughtfulIy.
do not fear. believe 10 a great power.
We OF this world are forced into life, not of our
own free will, but through the will of others.
This existence, with its suffering, its hopes and
fears, is our punishment /; it's disappointments
our curse. This is the life of the flesh, that
which is corruptible /; beyond lies the life of
the soul. IL
But what may the soul not suffer in the
hereafter What may it not endured"
Nothing, exceptit be happiness, " respond
beyond the grave.
".Aod the gravc? inquired the girl with
shudder the grave ;;
Is what We mortals must dread, because it
possesses horror. The hereafter is an up-
known land; but let US forget this for the pre-.
sent. Whether | lose or win. this might / am
determined to speak. We have too long weld.
ed to deception. Let the issue be what it win,
am resolved to solve it. If happiness is to
be ours, we will thank heaven for the boon if
not, We will say farewell. +" - ,.-
At this instant the Marquis Foscarini entered
the room. and LIE Roy accompanied him to the
table, where they seated themselves to play,
others being assembled At the gaming table
there was Paris banker, captain of 40 Eog.
''sh vessel, and two planters from Havana, all
absorbed 10 the chances of the game. LIE Roy
commenced by throwing down ten louis then
ten more, and so on until he lost ALL As be
pushed the money aside he shiyered. and his
head sank upon his breast. Foscarini laid his
hand upon his arm. ''''.'.."''
why. what is the matter, LIE Roy7" he
said 10 surprise. :, ...... .'...'-'
Nothing" responded the young officer, as