The Queen of Spades Page #2

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As I am.

Take life as you find it.

I'd rather take it by the throat and force it

to give me what I want.

You've forgotten your receipt.

I deducted five rubles for my fee, if that's agreeable.

As you wish.

This is a very rare book.

I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

It tells of strange things that some say

are better left alone.

How much is it?

Three rubles.

That's a lot, I know.

But there are plenty of people who believe in things

neither looked for nor heard of.

What mean these premonitions, these hauntings,

these apparitions?

These tales of horror in a far site in time and space.

Believe me, there are things to be seen

the eye has not seen.

And things to be heard the ear has not heard.

Who knows what you may learn from it?

Why, you might end up by gaining a fortune.

Or losing your precious soul.

Containing the true stories of people

who sold their souls

in return for wealth, power or influence.

Chapter 4.

The Secret of the Cards.

Countess R

Countess Ranevskaya.

In the year 1746,

sixty years ago...

The Count of Saint Germain arrived in St. Petersburg.

He chose for his residence a deserted palace

on the outskirts of the city

and soon there were strange rumors

about the weird dwelling and its mysterious occupant.

It was certainly true that in the vaults of the palace

he had a curious collection of wax figures...

which...

so it was whispered...

contained the souls of those who had fallen

under his evil influence.

He would derive intense pleasure from modeling

the wax figures of his intended victims.

Each one of whom was chosen

with deliberate appreciation.

Thus the Countess Ranevskaya, acknowledged

the most beautiful woman in Russia,

came to excite his attention.

He had learned that in spite of a jealous husband

all the men of fashion vied with each other

for her favors.

Go now. Later.

Countess.

Who is it? What do you want?

I think you will need my master's help.

I need no one's help.

You will, Countess. You will need it tomorrow.

Tomorrow? Can he see into the future then?

He can see a long way.

Who is he?

He is known as Saint Germain.

You will find him at the Dolgoruki Palace.

When the last of the guests had left,

the countess went down the secret stairway.

to admit the young stranger she had promised to meet.

She alone had the key to the hidden door.

But in the early hours of the morning...

What are you doing?

Where's the money?

I beg you. I beseech you.

The money's not mine. My husband will find out.

Do you wish to ruin me?

I have no wish but to save myself from ruin, Countess.

Give me the key.

Why, you pray?

A common thief parading as a gentleman?

You should take more care, madame...

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