“Grey,” said he, very coolly, “it seems we’re in luck.”

“The stake’s then not all your own?” very eagerly asked the little man in spectacles.

“No, part of it is yours, sir,” answered the baron, very dryly.

“I’m going to deal,” said the short, thick man behind.  “Is the board cleared?”

“Your excellency then allows the stake to remain?” inquired the tall, thin banker, with affected nonchalance.

“Oh! certainly,” said the baron, with real nonchalance.

“Three—­eight—­fourteen—­twenty-four—­thirty-four, Rouge 34—­”

All crowded nearer; the table was surrounded five or six deep, for the wonderful run of luck had got wind, and nearly the whole room were round the table.  Indeed, the archduke and Saxon lady, and of course the silent suite, were left alone at the upper part of the room.  The tall banker did not conceal his agitation.  Even the short, stout dealer ceased to be a machine.  All looked anxious except the baron.  Vivian looked at the table; his excellency watched, with a keen eye, the little dealer.  No one even breathed as the cards descended.  “Ten—­twenty—­” here the countenance of the banker brightened—­“twenty-two—­twenty-five—­ twenty-eight—­thirty-one’—­Noir 31.  The bank’s broke; no more play to-night.  The roulette table opens immediately.”

In spite of the great interest which had been excited, nearly the whole crowd, without waiting to congratulate the baron, rushed to the opposite side of the room in order to secure places at the roulette table.

“Put these five hundred and twelve Napoleons into a bag,” said the baron; “Grey, this is your share, and I congratulate you.  With regard to the other half, Mr. Hermann, what bills have you got?”

“Two on Gogel’s house of Frankfort—­accepted of course—­for two hundred and fifty each, and these twelve napoleons will make it right,” said the tall banker, as he opened a large black pocket-book, from which he took out two small bits of paper.  The baron examined them, and after having seen them indorsed, put them calmly into his pocket, not forgetting the twelve napoleons; and then taking Vivian’s arm, and regretting extremely that he should have the trouble of carrying such a weight, he wished Mr. Hermann a very good-night and success at his roulette, and walked with his companion quietly home.  Thus passed a day at Ems!

THE FESTA IN THE “ALHAMBRA”

From ‘The Young Duke’

You entered the Alhambra by a Saracenic cloister, from the ceiling of which an occasional lamp threw a gleam upon some Eastern arms hung up against the wall.  This passage led to the armory, a room of moderate dimensions, but hung with rich contents.  Many an inlaid breastplate—­many a Mameluke scimitar and Damascus blade—­many a gemmed pistol and pearl embroided saddle might there be seen, though viewed in a subdued and quiet light.  All seemed hushed and still, and shrouded in what had the reputation of being a palace of pleasure.