Herzog stretched out his hand, and calling the Prince’s attention to the sight, said:
“There’s your empire!”
Then, looking at him earnestly, he asked:
“Is it agreed?”
Serge hesitated for a moment, and then bowed his head, saying:
“It is agreed.”
Herzog pulled the check-string communicating with the coachman and alighted.
“Good-by,” said he to Panine.
He slipped into his own carriage, which had followed closely behind, and drove off.
From that day, even Jeanne had a rival. The fever of speculation had seized on Serge; he had placed his little finger within the wheels and he must follow—body, name, and soul. The power which this new game exercised over him was incredible. It was quite different to the stupid games at the club, always the same. On the Bourse, everything was new, unexpected, sudden, and formidable. The intensity of the feelings were increased a hundredfold, owing to the importance of the sums risked.