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.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
A meeting with the Prince of Turbingen is impossible.
RODERICK
The Prince left him only that choice.
The Captain and the Minister walk a few steps away and speak in whispers.
Then they return to Roderick.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Will you be able to return here tomorrow without arousing suspicion?
CHEVALIER
Tell them I intend to demand satisfaction from the Prince.
RODERICK
But they will prevent a meeting at whatever the cost.
CHEVALIER
Have no fear. It will come out well for me.
RODERICK
I believe they will deport you.
CHEVALIER
I have faced that problem before.
RODERICK
But, if they send you away, then what is to become of me?
CHEVALIER
(with a smile)
Make your mind easy, you shall not be left behind, I warrant you. Do take a last look at your barracks, make your mind easy, say a farewell to your friends in Berlin. The dear souls, how they will weep when they hear you are out of the country, and, out of it, you shall go.
RODERICK
But how, sir?
Roderick, Captain Galgenstein and Minister Galgenstein.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
The King has determined to send the Chevalier out of the country.
RODERICK
When is he to go?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Has he sent the challenge yet?
RODERICK
Not yet, but I believe he intends to.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Then this must be done tomorrow.
RODERICK
What is to be done?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
You say he drives after breakfast and before dinner. When he comes out to his carriage a couple of gendarmes will mount the box, and the coachman will get his orders to move on.
RODERICK
And his baggage?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Oh! That will be sent after him. I have a fancy to look into that red box which contains his papers, you say; and at noon, after parade, shall be at the inn. You will not say a word to any one there regarding the affair, and will wait for me at the Chevalier's rooms until my arrival. We must force that box. You are a clumsy hound, or you would have got the key long ago.
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At ten o'clock the next morning, the carriage of the Chevalier de Belle Fast drew up as usual at the door of his hotel, and the Chevalier came down the stairs in his usual stately manner.
Looking around and not finding his servant to open the door.
CHEVALIER
Where is my rascal, Lazlo?
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(standing by the carriage)
I will let down the steps for your honor.
No sooner does the Chevalier enter than the officer jumps in after him, another mounts the box by the coachman, and the latter begins to drive.
CHEVALIER
Good gracious! What is this?
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(touching his hat)
You are going to drive to the frontier.
CHEVALIER
It is shameful -- infamous! I insist upon being put down at the Austrian ambassador's house.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
I have orders to gag your honor if you cry out, and to give you this purse containing ten thousand frederics if you do not.