This time the old lady did not call for Potapitch; for that she was too preoccupied. Though not outwardly shaken by the event (indeed, she seemed perfectly calm), she was trembling inwardly from head to foot. At length, completely absorbed in the game, she burst out:

“Alexis Ivanovitch, did not the croupier just say that 4,000 florins were the most that could be staked at any one time? Well, take these 4,000, and stake them upon the red.”

To oppose her was useless. Once more the wheel revolved.

“ Rouge! ” proclaimed the croupier.

Again 4,000 florins⁠—in all 8,000!

“Give me them,” commanded the Grandmother, “and stake the other 4,000 upon the red again.”

I did so.