“And cannot you,” asked the countess, “teach us your wonderful art of always winning?”
“It would be a difficult task, my fair lady; and in order to do it, one must ensure a fortunate hand, for without that nothing could be done.”
“Nay,” replied the chevalier, laughing, “never did I see so fortunate an one as yours.”
“As you are still very young, my dear chevalier, you have many novelties to witness.”
Saying these words, the marquis threw on the chevalier so piercing a look that the latter cried:
“Will you then cast my nativity?”
“Provided that it is not done to-day,” said the countess; “for who knows whether your future destiny will afford us so amusing a history as that which the marquis two days since promised we should enjoy?”
“I did not exactly say amusing.”
“But at least full of extraordinary events: and we require some such, to draw us from the lethargy which has overwhelmed us all day.”
“Most willingly: but first I am anxious to learn whether any of you know aught of the surprising things related of the Death-Bride.”
No one remembered to have heard speak of her.
The marquis appeared anxious to add something more by way of preface; but the countess and the
