Memoirs of Casanova — Volume 15: with Voltaire by Giacomo Casanova
page 56 of 107 (52%)
page 56 of 107 (52%)
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"Yes," I replied, "if you will tell me upon whom it is drawn, and provided that it does not exceed the value of the bank." After a rapid glance at the pile of gold before me, he said, "The bill is not for so large a sum as your bank, and it is payable at sight by Zappata, of Turin." I agreed, he cut, and put his money on an ace, the two friends going half shares. I drew and drew and drew, but no ace appeared. I had only a dozen cards left. "Sir," said I, calmly to the punter, "you can draw back if you like." "No, go on." Four cards more, and still no ace; I had only eight cards left. "My lord," said I, "it's two to one that I do not hold the ace, I repeat you can draw back." "No, no, you are too generous, go on." I continued dealing, and won; I put the bill of exchange in my pocket without looking at it. The Englishmen shook me by the hand and went off laughing. I was enjoying the effect this bold stroke had made on the company, when young Fox came in and with a roar of laughter begged me to lend him fifty Louis. I counted them out with the greatest pleasure, and he paid me them back in London three years later. |
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