It was something already, but it was not enough. I saw the hold which I
had upon this woman, and I took a cowardly advantage of it.

When I think that she is dead now, I ask myself if God will ever forgive
me for the wrong I did her.

After the supper, which was noisy as could be, there was gambling. I sat
by the side of Olympe and put down my money so recklessly that she could
not but notice me. In an instant I had gained one hundred and fifty or
two hundred louis, which I spread out before me on the table, and on
which she fastened her eyes greedily.

I was the only one not completely absorbed by the game, and able to pay
her some attention. All the rest of the night I gained, and it was I
who gave her money to play, for she had lost all she had before her and
probably all she had in the house.

At five in the morning, the guests departed. I had gained three hundred
louis.

All the players were already on their way downstairs; I was the only
one who had remained behind, and as I did not know any of them, no one
noticed it. Olympe herself was lighting the way, and I was going to
follow the others, when, turning back, I said to her: "I must speak to you."