"It is true that you have been losing for years," said Mocenigo, trying
to laugh, "but we did not think you would win back all your losses in a
day."
"You shall have your revenge to-night," answered Contarini, rising. "I
am expected at a friend's house at this hour."
His large wallet was so full of gold that he could hardly draw the
strong silken strings together and tie them.
"A friend's house!" laughed Loredan, who had lost somewhat less than the
others. "It would give us much delight to know the colour of the lady's
hair!"
To this Contarini answered only by a smile, which was not devoid of
satisfaction.
"Take care!" said Foscari, gloomily contemplating the bare table before
him, over which so much of his good gold had slipped away. "Take care!
Luck at play, mischance in love, says the proverb."
"Oh! In that case I congratulate you, my dear friend!" returned
Contarini gaily.
The others laughed at the retort, and the party broke up, though all did
not go at once. Venier went out alone, while two or three walked with
Contarini to his gondola. The rest stayed behind in the shop and made
old Hossein unroll his choicest carpets and show them his most precious
embroideries, though he protested that it was already much too dark to
appreciate such choice things.
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