A Game of Chess for a Heart.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 176, 26 October 1880, Page 2

A Game of Chess for a Heart.

Improbable though this may appear, such a game has actually occurred, and has been played in Berlin, at the Cafe Kaiserhof. The story runs as follows: The beauty and amiability of a young lady had completely infatuated two young artists, a painter and a sculptor. The attachment of both for die young lady was apparent, and both were unremitting in their attentions, but appeared to bo somewhat undecided what course topursue. Recently, however, tho sculptor in all courtesy (they were intimate friends) suggested to the painter that he should desist from his attentions to the young lady, as he was strong in the assurance of her preference. At this the painter expressed the greatest amazement, and declared he was at least as certain of being the one of her choice, and was determined not to relinquish his claims. But both friends soon saw that it was embarrassing to continue in this obstinate course, and it was at length proposed to decide their fate by a game of chess. It was accordingly arranged that the loser should leave Germany for two years One evening, a few clays ago, there stood in front of the Cafe Kaiserhof, about an hour and a half before the departure of the train gfrora Cologne to Paris, two cabs laden with the personal effects of the two artists, while within the cafe the two rivals sat before the chessboard, and, in an excitement greater than was perhaps good for their play, conducted the game which was to deprive the loser of all right to his heart’s treasure, and to consign him to an exile from the Fatherland. The young painter was at length mated. He immediately arose, pressed the hand of his friend, and, without uttering a word, jumped into the cab, and directed his way to the train. The young sculptor repaired to his home. The fair lady who was the queen of this game has to-day no knowledge of the reason for the sudden departure of the young painter. We can assure our readers that the story here told occurred as related a few days since, and tho names of the young artists are, in certain circles, well known. — Sch<xch?,&itung.