And away went the good old man to get the money; and when he presently brought it, Antoñito kissed his bald pate before returning in triumph to the drawing-room, to which the marchioness had also gone back, and now asked him to play some Flemish dances whilst the others continued their game.
Never was omber played with greater zest and animation. The chaplain showed himself at his very best, and nearly drove his fellow players to desperation; for he won every game. He took from them right and left, laughing with all his might as he stripped them of every cuarto. The commandant rose to his feet, furious, and muttered to the count:
"This is unendurable. I really believe the old chap isn’t playing straight!"
The viscount slipped out quietly, and thus saved himself from being petitioned in charity's name. Ambrosio did not play.
At eleven o’clock the servants brought tea, and whilst the marchioness was preparing the cups, Antoñito stealthily handed the commandant four duros, the count four, and four more to Don Fidel, each of whom had whispered to him in turn: "I haven't a real in my pocket; Don Esteban has skinned me completely!"
At midnight the curé observed that it was growing late. Whereupon the marchioness said: "Now, then, my dear friends, having already announced that I should trouble you tonight with a petition, I shall add that it relates to a great misfortune. A little alms, for the love of God!"
And, then, as though it had been the most
