Taking the two little osier baskets , laden with yellow and purple clusters , Casimer offered them , with a charming mixture of timidity and grace , to the girls , saying , like a grateful boy , -- `` You give me kind words and good hopes ; permit that I thank you in this poor way . '' `` I drink success to Poland . '' cried Helen , lifting a great , juicy grape to her lips , like a little purple goblet , hoping to hide her confusion under a playful air . The grapes went round , and healths were drunk with much merriment , for in travelling on the Continent it is impossible for the gruffest , primmest person to long resist the frank courtesy and vivacious chat of foreigners . The major was unusually social and inquisitive , and while the soldiers fought their battles over again the girls listened and took notes , with feminine wits on the alert to catch any personal revelations which might fall from the interesting stranger . The wrongs and sufferings of Poland were discussed so eloquently that both young ladies were moved to declare the most undying hatred of Russia , Prussia , and Austria , the most intense sympathy for `` poor Pologne . '' All day they travelled together , and as Baden-Baden approached , they naturally fell to talking of the gay place . `` 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 `` XXXXX . ''
Austria Europe Nell Poland Pole Sigismund University fall frivolities osier