game, which was supposed to go against him. After a moment's pause, which could not give the husband time to perceive the whole sham of the contrivance, he swept off all the men with his hand, exclaiming, "Madam, I have lost!" The dutchess then feigned to start up at the sight of her lord, and hastening to embrace him, overturned the table, candles and all.—The count jumped up with an air of sudden surprise, while the lady cried, "A fine trick monsignor duke! How can you thus frighten me?"
—"Madam," replied the unsuspecting husband, "I wished to give you unexpected joy?"
—"I shall not thank you, monsignor, you have spoiled the count's good luck."
—"It was not my intention. I rather came to extricate him."
The count now embraced his friend with great demonstrations of gladness at seeing him again. They remained together an hour longer, to arrange measures for adjusting their affair. The count insisted on the duke's returning to his villa, and even accompanied him part of the way, On his return to Ve-
