I was so happy, so free, so lighthearted! And I did not realize how happy I was! When did that end and when did this new, terrible state of things begin? What marked the change? I sat all the time in this same place at this table, chose and placed cards, and watched those broad-boned agile hands in the same way.

When did it happen and what has happened? I am well and strong and still the same and in the same place.

No, it can't be! Surely it will all end in nothing!" He was flushed and bathed in perspiration, though the room was not hot.

His face was terrible and piteous to see, especially from its helpless efforts to seem calm.

The score against him reached the fateful sum of forty-three thousand.