ard her speak so of De Griers:
consequently, I was momentarily awed into silence by this expression of
resentment.

"Have you noticed, too, that today he is by no means on good terms with
the General?" I went on.

"Yes--and I suppose you want to know why," she replied with dry
captiousness. "You are aware, are you not, that the General is
mortgaged to the Marquis, with all his property? Consequently, if the
General's mother does not die, the Frenchman will become the absolute
possessor of everything which he now holds only in pledge."

"Then it is really the case that everything is mortgaged? I have heard
rumours to that effect, but was unaware how far they might be true."

"Yes, they ARE true. What then?"

"Why, it will be a case of 'Farewell, Mlle. Blanche,'" I remarked; "for
in such an event she would never become Madame General. Do you know, I
believe the old man is so much in love with her that he will shoot
himself if she should throw him over. At his age it is a dangerous
thing to fall in love."

"Yes, something, I believe, WILL happen to him," assented Polina
thoughtfully.

"And what a fine thing it all is!" I continued. "Could anything be more
abominable than the way in which she has agreed to marry for money
alone? Not one of the decencies has been observed; the whole affair has
taken place without the least ceremony. And as for the grandmother,
what could be more comical, yet more dastardly, than the sending of
telegram after telegram to know if she is dead? What do you think of
it, Polina Alexandrovna?"

"Yes, it is very horrible," she interrupted with a shudder.
"Consequently, I am the more surprised that YOU should be so cheerful.
What are YOU so pleased about? About the fact that you have gone and
lost my money?"

"What? The money that you gave me to lose? I told you I should never
win for other people--least of all for you. I obeyed you simply because
you ordered me to; but you must not blame me for the result. I warned
you that no good would ever come of it. You seem much depressed at
having lost your money. Why do you need it so greatly?"

"Why do YOU ask me these questions?"

"Because you promised to explain matters to me. Listen. I am certain
that, as soon as ever I 'begin to play for myself' (and I still have
120 gulden left), I shall win. You can then take of me what you
require."

She made a contemptuous grimace.

"You must not be angry with me," I continued, "for making such a