“One evening, after a number of these discussions, in which Rechberg had displayed an even unusual warmth and irritability, I found myself opposed to him in a game, the interest of which had drawn around us a large assembly of spectators—what the French designate as la galerie. Towards the conclusion of the game it was my turn to lead, and I played a card which so astounded the Austrian Minister, that he laid down his cards upon the table and stared fixedly at me.
“‘In all my experience of Whist,’ said he, deliberately, ‘I never saw the equal of that.’
“‘Of what?’ asked!
“‘Of the card you have just played,’ rejoined he. ‘It is not merely that such play violates every principle of the game, but it actually stultifies all your own combinations.’
“‘I think differently, Count,’ said I. ‘I maintain that it is good play, and I abide by it.’
“‘Let us decide it by a wager,’ said he.
“‘In what way?’
“‘Thus: We shall leave the question to the galerie. You shall allege what you deem to be the reasons for your play, and they shall decide if they accept them as valid.’
“‘I agree. What will you bet?’
“‘Ten napoleons—twenty, fifty, five hundred if you like!’ cried he, warmly.