into the garden were open. Casanova heard voices outside; Marcolina
and Amalia strolled by, glanced into the room for a moment, and then
disappeared.

While the Marchese was dealing, Lorenzi turned to Casanova with
ceremonious politeness, saying: "My compliments, Chevalier. You were
better informed than I. My regiment is under orders to march tomorrow
afternoon."

The Marchese looked surprised. "Why did you not tell us sooner,
Lorenzi?"

"The matter did not seem of such supreme importance."

"It is of no great importance to me," said the Marchese. "But don't
you think it is of considerable importance to my wife?" He laughed
raucously. "As a matter of fact, I have some interest in the matter
myself. You won four hundred ducats from me yesterday, and there is not
much time left in which to win them back."

"The Lieutenant won money from us too," said the younger Ricardi. The
elder, silent as usual, looked over his shoulder at his brother, who
stood behind the elder's chair as on the previous day.

"Luck and women....." began the Abbate.

The Marchese finished the sentence for him: ".....cannot be
constrained."

Lorenzi carelessly scattered his gold on the table. "There you are. I