The Gambler — Chapter VIII

On the promenade, Alexis meets Mr. Astley and invites him for coffee. Against his original intent, Alexis confesses his passionate love for Polina, even speaking jealously about De Griers. Astley rebukes Alexis for speculating without facts but listens as Alexis recounts the Baron incident, his dismissal, De Griers’ morning visit, and Polina’s restraining note.

Astley cautions that relationships may be driven by hidden necessities and suggests Alexis partially reassured himself. Pressed about the broader turmoil, Astley identifies Mlle. Blanche as the fulcrum: until her marriage to the General is secure, any scandal with the Baron and Baroness could ruin their plans. He then discloses Blanche’s prior Roulettenberg scandal—arriving under changing names, losing heavily at play, being abandoned by wealthy companions, and ultimately being asked to leave at the Baroness’s complaint.

Astley infers Blanche now profits by lending and may hold the General, perhaps even De Griers, in debt or partnership. He refuses to divulge confidences or justify what Polina knows, maintaining Alexis has no right to demand answers. Alexis concludes that Polina remains entangled with De Griers, which explains her tolerance of Blanche and her plea for restraint.

They connect the group’s anxious calculations to the expected death of the General’s rich mother in Moscow. Astley believes De Griers mainly awaits repayment; Alexis counters that Polina’s dowry would bind her to the Frenchman. Amid this dispute, Alexis also notes the General’s neglect of his younger children and Polina’s divided loyalties.

As they near the hotel, a woman’s voice calls “Alexis Ivanovitch!” in Russian. On the verandah, a newly arrived Russian lady, surrounded by luggage and servants, beckons him urgently, abruptly ending the conversation and hinting at immediate consequences.