The Strand Magazine, Vol. 05, Issue 27, March 1893

The Strand Magazine, Vol. 05, Issue 27, March 1893 - An Illustrated Monthly

A Game Of Chess. Illustrated Interviews: XXI.--Mr. and Mrs. Kendal. "Author! Author!" Zig Zags at the Zoo: Conkavian. Shafts from an Eastern Quiver IX.--Maw-Sayah: The Keeper of the Great Burman. From Behind the Speaker's Chair III. Portraits of Celebrities at Different Times of their Lives. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes XVI.--The Adventure of the Stockbroker's Clerk. Beauties. Hands II. Rosita. The Queer Side of Things. King Phillip II. was playing at chess in the Escurial Palace. His opponent was Ruy Lopez, a humble priest, but a chess player of great skill. Being the King's particular favourite, the great player was permitted to kneel upon a brocaded cushion, whilst the courtiers grouped about the King were forced to remain standing in constrained and painful attitudes. It was a magnificent morning. The air was perfumed with the orange groves, and the violet curtains of the splendid hall hardly softened the burning rays which streamed in through the windows. The blaze of living light seemed scarcely in harmony with the King's gloomy countenance. His brow was black as night, and from time to time he bent his eyes impatiently upon the door. The nobles stood in silence, darting meaning glances at each other. It was easily to be discerned that some event of great importance weighed upon the spirits of the assembly. No one paid any attention to the chess-board except Ruy Lopez, who, as he moved the pieces, hesitated between the temptation of checkmating his opponent and the deference due to his King. The silence was unbroken except by the sound made by the players moving their pieces. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 30222
Author: Various
Release Date: Oct 9, 2009
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Newnes, George, 1851-1910