“And to game, sir, for they are all professional gamesters.”

“Are they French?”

“They are all from Piedmont or Savoy; I am the only Frenchman here.”

“What part of France do you come from?”

“From Lorraine; my father, who is eighty years old, is the Marquis Desarmoises.  He only keeps on living to spite me, for as I married against his wishes he has disinherited me.  However, as I am his only son, I shall inherit his property after his death, in spite of him.  My house is at Lyons, but I never go there, as I have the misfortune to be in love with my eldest daughter, and my wife watches us so closely as to make my courtship hopeless.”

“That is very fine; otherwise, I suppose, your daughter would take pity on her amorous papa?”

“I daresay, for she is very fond of me, and has an excellent heart.”

CHAPTER XX

My Adventures at Aix—­My Second M. M.—­Madame Zeroli

This man, who, though he did not know me, put the utmost confidence in me, so far from thinking he was horrifying me by the confession of such wickedness, probably considered he was doing me a great honour.  While I listened to him I reflected that though depraved he might have his good points, and that his weakness might have a pitiable if not a pardonable side.  However, wishing to know more of him, I said,—­

“In spite of your father’s sternness, you live very well.”

“On the contrary, I live very ill.  I enjoy a pension from the Government, which I surrender to my wife, and as for me I make a livelihood on my travels.  I play black gammon and most other games perfectly.  I win more often than I lose, and I live on my winnings.”

“But is what you have told me about your daughter known to the visitors here?”

“Everybody knows it; why should I hide it?  I am a man of honour and injure no one; and, besides, my sword is sharp.”

“Quite so; but would you tell me whether you allow your daughter to have a lover?”

“I should have no objection, but my wife is religious.”

“Is your daughter pretty?”

“Very; if you are going to Lyons, you can go and see her; I will give you a letter of introduction for her.”  “Thank you, but I am going to Italy.  Can you tell me the name of the gentleman who kept the bank?”

“That is the famous Parcalier, Marquis de Prie since the death of his father, whom you may have known as ambassador at Venice.  The gentleman who asked you if you knew the Abbe Gilbert is the Chevalier Zeroli, husband of the lady you are to sup with.  The rest are counts, marquises, and barons of the usual kind, some from Piedmont and some from Savoy.  Two or three are merchants’ sons, and the ladies are all their friends or relations.  They are all professional gamblers and sharp-witted.  When a stranger comes here they know how to get over him, and if he plays it is all up with him, for they go together like pickpockets at a fair.  They think they have got you, so take care of yourself.”