The story takes place over a single night as the banker and the young lawyer discuss the bet, reflecting on the past and the future, but there are no specific scenes set in the past.
The story's narrative focuses on the tension and psychological dynamics between the two characters, and the philosophical implications of their wager. While there are references to events that happened before the story's present, these are not presented as flashbacks, but rather as part of the characters' ongoing dialogue and reflections.
It's important to note that Chekhov's use of present tense helps to create a sense of immediacy and suspense, drawing the reader into the characters' thoughts and motivations.