The Essential Russian Plays & Short Stories. Максим Горький

exclaimed, seized with terror.

      Chekalinsky gathered up his winnings. For some time, Hermann remained perfectly motionless. When at last he left the table, there was a general commotion in the room.

      "Splendidly punted!" said the players. Chekalinsky shuffled the cards afresh, and the game went on as usual.

      * * * * *

      Hermann went out of his mind, and is now confined in room Number 17 of the Obukhov Hospital. He never answers any questions, but he constantly mutters with unusual rapidity: "Three, seven, ace!" "Three, seven, queen!"

      Lizaveta Ivanovna has married a very amiable young man, a son of the former steward of the old Countess. He is in the service of the State somewhere, and is in receipt of a good income. Lizaveta is also supporting a poor relative.

      Tomsky has been promoted to the rank of captain, and has become the husband of the Princess Pauline.