The Gambler — Chapter XII

Driven by impatience, the Grandmother returns to the Casino fixated on staking zero and red. After a string of losses on zero, she switches to a large red bet that is swallowed when zero hits, provoking a public outburst and blame toward Alexis. She insists on continuing, alternately winning and losing, and soon exhausts her cash.

Determined to recoup, the Grandmother has bonds changed at a money-changer despite ruinous terms. Back at the tables, De Griers interferes with small, complex suggestions; his advised spread promptly loses to zero, and she dismisses him in fury. Over the next hour she loses the newly changed funds and leaves declaring herself a fool.

At the hotel she orders packing to return to Moscow, alarming the General’s circle. She drives De Griers and Mlle. Blanche away with insults, then summons Polina. The Grandmother denounces the General’s planned marriage, recalls the grasping telegrams, and offers Polina a home—preferably with the children—while warning that De Griers will bring her no good. She dismisses everyone, tips Alexis, and prepares to depart.

Minutes before the train, the Grandmother suffers a relapse of compulsion, demands to go back to the Casino, and presses Alexis to assist. He refuses and returns her gift, severing his role as enabler. That night, according to Potapitch, she plays again without him, relying first on Potapitch and then a Polish gambler, quarrels with the Pole, and loses the remainder of the changed money before finally going to bed exhausted.