Jacopo threw first. Venier followed him and lost.
"That is my last throw," he said, as he pushed the remains of his small heap of gold across to Contarini. "I have no more money to-day, nor shall I have to-morrow."
"Hossein has plenty," suggested Foscari, who hoped that Contarini's luck would desert him before long.
"At this rate you will need all he has," returned Venier with a careless laugh.
Before long more than one of the players was obliged to call in the ever-complacent Persian merchant, and the heap of gold grew in front of Jacopo, till he could hardly keep it together.
"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.