The Wits and Beaux of Society - Volume 1 by Philip Wharton;Grace Wharton
page 86 of 349 (24%)
page 86 of 349 (24%)
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goes to see his friends it is neither prudent to leave his own money
behind him nor civil to take theirs.' 'Well,' answered Turenne, 'I can tell you you will find neither much money nor deep play among us; but that it cannot be said that we allowed you to go off without playing, suppose we each of us stake a horse.' De Grammont agreed, and, lucky as ever, won from the officers some fifteen or sixteen horses, by way of a joke; but seeing several faces pale, he said, 'Gentlemen, I should be sorry to see you go away from your general's quarters on foot; it will do very well if you all send me to-morrow your horses, except one, which I give for the cards.' The _valet-de-chambre_ thought he was jesting. 'I am serious,' cried the Chevalier. '_Parole d'honneur_ I give a horse for the cards; and what's more, take which you please, only don't take mine.' 'Faith,' said Turenne, pleased with the novelty of the affair, 'I don't believe a horse was ever before given for the cards.' Young people, and indeed old people, can perhaps hardly remember the time when, even in England, money used to be put under the candlesticks 'for the cards,' as it was said, but in fact for the servants, who waited. Winner or loser, the tax was to be paid, and this custom of vails was also prevalent in France. Trino at last surrendered, and the two friends rushed from their campaigning life to enjoy the gaieties of Turin, at that time the centre of pleasure; and resolved to perfect their characters as military heroes--by falling in love, if respectably, well; if disreputably, well |
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