`` Uncle , I must try my fortune once . I 've set my heart upon it , and so has Nell . We want to know how gamblers feel , and to taste the fascination of the game which draws people here from all parts of Europe , '' said Amy , in her half-pleading , half-imperious way . `` You may risk one napoleon each , as I foolishly promised you should , when I little thought you would ever have an opportunity to remind me of my promise . It 's not an amusement for respectable Englishwomen , or men either . You will agree with me there , monsieur ? '' and the major glanced at the Pole , who replied , with his peculiar smile : -- `` Surely , yes . It is great folly and waste of time and money ; yet I have known one man who found some good in it , or , rather , brought good out of it . I have a friend who has a mania for giving . His own fortune was spent in helping needy students at the University , and poor professors . This displeased his father , and he refused supplies , except enough for his simple personal wants . Sigismund chafed at this , and being skilful at all games , as a gentleman may be in the way of amusement , he resolved to play with those whose money was wasted on frivolities , and give his winnings to his band of paupers . '' `` How did it succeed , this odd fancy ? '' asked Helen , with an interested face , while Amy pinched her arm at the word `` Sigismund . '' `` Excellently . My friend won often , and as his purpose became known it caused no unkind feeling , this unusual success , for fortune seemed to favor his kind object . '' `` Wrong , nevertheless , to do evil that good may come of it , '' said the major , morally . `` It may be so : but it is not for me to censure my benefactor . He has done much for my countrymen and myself , and is so truly noble I can see no fault in him . '' `` What an odd name !
XXXXX is German , is it not ? ''
Amy Englishwomen Europe Helen Nell Pole Sigismund University frivolities paupers