if he
had known who and what I was, began talking of the commerce in
which I am engaged, and displayed an intimate acquaintance with
mercantile affairs. Our conversation had already become animated
and interesting, when it was interrupted by a noise and bustle in
the play-room; and several persons came up to my new
acquaintance, and congratulated him. It appeared that he had
staked sum equivalent to the whole amount there was in the bank,
and it was while the game was being played that we had entered
into conversation. He now went to the table, and received his
winnings from the disconcerted bankers with an appearance of
perfect indifference, returning them at the same time, a handsome
sum--that they might have, as he said, a chance of recovering
what he had won from them! Then, after giving me his address, and
inviting me to call on him, he left the house" ...

"... The diamonds ... enormous value ... excellent bargain ...
twenty thousand pounds sterling" ...

(This letter had been nearly destroyed by the fire.)

"... It is some days since I have seen my new friend, although
his agreeable conversation and manners render his society more
pleasing to me at every interview. I am embarrassed about this
purchase of diamonds, which I an very desirous of making, but
find myself without sufficient funds for the purpose. If M----
would join me in the speculation, his recent winnings would be
more than is wanted to make up the deficiency. I must propose it
to him ...

"... I have just returned from a visit to M----. It appears that
he is an Italian by birth, although speaking several languages as
well as a native, and that he is travelling for the affairs of an
important association of which he is a member. He has travelled a
great deal in Germany, and will probably return thither shortly.
To-day he told me that he was glad to have won the large sum to
which I alluded in a former letter; that he had much need of it
for a great object he had in view, but for which he was still
afraid it would scarcely suffice. Upon hearing this, I resolved
to say nothing to him about the partnership in the diamond
speculation ...

"... It is impossible for me to describe to you the fascination
which this man exercises over me. You know that I do not usu