This book is a novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that chronicles the life of a young, Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor who works for a Russian family. The Patriarch of the family, the General, is indebted to the French and Des Grieux has mortgaged his property in Russia to pay only a small amount of its debt. After learning of the disease of his rich aunt, "Grandmother", he sends streams of telegrams to Moscow and awaits news of his death. His legacy will serve to pay his debts and earn the hand of Mademoiselle De Cominges. This novella reflects Dostoevsky's addiction to roulette, which was in many ways the inspiration for the book. Alexei is hopelessly in love with Polina, the General's stepdaughter, and he swears an oath of servitude to her. Thus begins the two lovers to a tormented roulette game.