CHEVALIER
My lad, I have been in every service; and, between ourselves, owe money in every capital in Europe. I have been a rolling stone. Play -play has been my ruin! That and beauty. The women have made a fool of me, my dear boy. I am a softhearted creature, and this minute, at sixty-two, have no more command of myself than when Peggy O'Dwyer made a fool of me at sixteen.
Roderick and the Chevalier walking along the bank.
CHEVALIER
The cards are now my only livelihood. Sometimes I am in luck, and then I lay out my money in these trinkets you see. It's property, look you, and the only way I have found of keeping a little about me. When the luck goes against me, why, my dear, my diamonds go to the pawnbrokers and I wear paste. Do you understand the cards?
RODERICK
I can play as soldiers do, but have no great skill.
CHEVALIER
We will practice in the mornings, my boy, and I'll put you up to a thing or two worth knowing.
Quick cuts -- Roderick being taught the profession of cards and the dice-box.
Roderick, Minister Galgenstein, and Captain Galgenstein.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I carried my little reports to Captain Galgenstein at the Garden house outside the town where he gave me rendezvous. These reports, of course, were arranged between me and the Chevalier beforehand. I was instructed, and it is always the best way, to tell as much truth as my story would possible bear. Dialogue comes up from under voice over.
RODERICK
He goes to church regularly -- he is very religious, and after hearing mass comes home to breakfast. Then he takes an airing in his chariot till dinner, which is served at noon. After dinner, he writes his letters, if he has any letters to write; but he has very little to do in this way. His letters are to the Austrian envoy, with whom he corresponds, but who does not acknowledge him; and being written in English, or course, I look over his shoulder. He generally writes for money. He makes his party with Calsabigi, the lottery contractor, the Russian attaches, two from the English embassy, my lords Deuceace and Punter, who play a jeu d'enfer, and a few more. He wins often, but not always. Lord Deuceace is a very fine player. The Chevalier Elliott, the English Minister, sometimes comes, on which occasion the secretaries do not play.
The Chevalier is at play against several gentlemen, including the Prince of Turbingen, while Roderick signals the cards.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was agreed that I should keep my character of valet, that in the presence of strangers I should not know a word of English, that I should keep good lookout on the trumps when I was serving the champagne and punch about; and, having a remarkably fine eyesight, and a great natural aptitude, I was speedily able to give my dear benefactor much assistance against his opponents at the green table.
Several cuts of playing and cheating to illustrate voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Simplicity was our secret. Everything successful is simple. If, for instance, I wiped the dust off a chair with my napkin, it was to show that the enemy was strong in diamonds; if I pushed it, he had an ace, king; if I said, "Punch or wine, my lord?" hearts was meant. If "Wine or punch?" clubs. If I blew my nose, it was to indicate that there was another confederate employed by the adversary; and then, I warrant you, some pretty trials of skill would take place. The Prince of Turbingen, although so young, had a very great skill and cleverness with the cards in every way; and it was only from hearing Ritter von Brandenburg, who came with him, yawn three times when the Chevalier had the ace of trumps, that I knew we were Greek to Greek, as it were.
The Prince loses a big hand, and, in a fury, throws down his cards. He stares at the table, then at the Chevalier.
PRINCE
Chevalier, though I cannot say how, I believe you have cheated me.
CHEVALIER
I deny your Grace's accusations, and beg you to say how you have been cheated?
PRINCE
(glaring at Roderick)
I don't know.
CHEVALIER
Your Grace owes me seventy thousand frederics, which I have honorably won.
PRINCE
Chevalier, if you will have your money now, you must fight for it. If you will be patient, maybe I will pay you something another time.
CHEVALIER
Your Grace, if I am so tame as to take this, then I must give up an honorable and lucrative occupation.
PRINCE
I have said all there is to be said. I am at your disposal for whatever purposes you wish. Good night.
He exits.
Roderick, Captain Galgenstein and Minister Galgenstein.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Was he cheated?
RODERICK
In so far as I can tell these things -- no. I believe the Chevalier won the money fairly.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Hmm-mmmm.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
What are the Chevalier's intentions?
RODERICK
I am not sure. The Prince told him quite clearly that if he wished to have the money, he would have to fight for it.