A GAME OF CHESS FOR A HEART.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2368, 19 October 1880, Page 4

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 the young lady was apparent, and both were unremitting in their attentions, but appeared to be somewhat undecided what course to pursue. Ecccntly, however, the sculptor in all courtesy ( for 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 arranged that the loser was to leave Germany for two years. One evening a few days ago, there stood in front of the Cafe'Kaiserhof, about an hour and a half before the departure of the train from Colonge to Paris, two cabs laden with the personal effects of the two artists, while within the cafe the two rivals sat before the chess-board, 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 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 homo. 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 the names of the young artists are, in certain circles well known.—“ Schachzeitung.