“Am I now blinded, and deprived of the use of my hands?” Torrini asked his vis-à-vis.
“I am certain of it,” Joseph Lenoir replied.
“Well, then, to begin our game. But tell me first in what suit you would like to be repiqued?”
“In clubs.”
“Very good; now deal the cards by twos or threes, as you please. When they are dealt out, I will leave you to select the hand you think will enable you best to prevent a repique.”
All the time these explanations and preparations lasted, the audience remained motionless and silent, not knowing whether a mystification or a real trick were intended. Now, on seeing the dancing-master shuffle the cards, there could be no further doubt; hence all rose to command a view of the stage, and a great number of spectators even surrounded the table. I had also drawn near, and, to my great delight, secured a front place.
Profound silence in the room.
“The cards are shuffled, please to cut!” the dancing-master said, in an ironical tone, as if secure of victory.
“Willingly,” Torrini replied. And though hampered in his movements, he soon satisfied his opponent.
The cards having been dealt, M. Lenoir decided on keeping those before him.