The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-03-27
my Brothers. Keeper
"Fatal! fatal fatal!"

"Fatall fatal fatalr
Old Godfrey Thorne lay on his dying
bed, his yellow features sharply outlin ed
against the pillows, his eyes glittering
like live coals-while close to his side
mis- nephew, Mark, stood with awe-strick-
en- tace, watching the tide of life go out.
81 might have been rich, but am
poor-l might have been honored, but am
despised-and it is all the curse of
gambling," he uttered. "Promise me,
Mark-promlse me in the shadow Of
death, that you will avoid the blight of
all the Thornes-that you will never
gamble. Promise me that you will new
er touch o cardW
And Mark Thorne promised.
ga young man from the countryl Oh,
papa, what made you invite him"
Lettice Grenville poutebher full scar
| let lips, as she stood before the drawing
room mirror that truthtully reflected her
rich tropical beauty. A low brow, with
silky masses okpurple-black hair lo0ped
AWAY from it.; level, black brows, and
great dusky eyes where liquid shadows
slept beneath long, curled lashes--she
had selected the best possible foil to ner
face in dress of maize-colored silk,
with piquant little jacketof black vel
vet, edged at the throat with evans
down, down, Spd clasped with diamond but
"My DEAR" said Mr.. Grenville, re-
monstratingly, The is very well con-
nected-the Thornes of Thorne Hill, you
knoW.and as he is stranger in the city,
thought it only an act of Christian
charity to invite him to your company
| tonight"
"But not charity to me, papa" said
| Lettuce, Struggling her shoulders. ''These
young men from the country are such
nulsances-they don't dance, they don't
sing, they never do anything, but stand
around and get in eyerybody's way, and
| look bored to deathV
IL dare say we shall contrive some
way OF amusing him." said Mr.. Gren-
am going to see whether iced wine and
liobstel-salad are all right"
The Grenville drawlng-rooms were al
ready crowded when Mark Thorne made
his appearance-and TO his unaccus-
toned eyes, they seemed like a glitter
ing arcana of brightness and fascination.
Flowers sent up their sweet. subtle
odors from every corner-lights sparkled
soft e; es shone, and sweet voices filed
the pauses OF the music.
"a told you 50, papa" said Lefty, in, a
whisper, as she stole 10 her fathers side,
and directed his attention toward Mark
lhorne standing in the doorway, gazing
around him.
"TolL me what, Lettice?"
"Ile isn't enjoying himself bit. And
that sort of vacant, spiritless face al
ways casts damp upon the rest of the
affair. People will go home and say, what
Il bore the Grenvllle reception was.
will make him do something or other"
And with q bird-like grace and quick:
ness of movement, Lettie Grenvilte flew
across the room to where her uncOn.
| scious guest still stood, wrapt in the
beauty and novelty Of the scene that
surrounded him.
ii am afraid you ind this allvery dull,
| Mr.. Thorne."
| Marks face frightened as he looked
down into Lettice's liquid eyes.
| ''Dull! assure you, Miss Grenville-''
| "You needn't assure me anything al
all, Mr.. Th0rne," said Lettice, as she
lput her plump, gloved hand through his
| arm. "Miss Overton and Kate Leslie
| are dying to find some one to make out Q
DaziQue table,"
| ..Baz.que! What Is thatpv said hon
est Marx, betraying his ignorance al
''The most fascinating game YOU evel
playedw
"But don't know it,"
mo matter for that; y0u'will sooI
learn. Kate Leslie's charming In
structressw
| And Mark found himself led into ,
pretty little boudoir, hung with apple
green silk, where a group of gay girl
were telling fortunes with cards.
1--WE can have baZique table, nowr
cried Kate Leslie, clipping her hands
as Lettice triumphantly conducted tn,
new recruit into the apartment.
i But Mark recoiled at the sight OF thu
cards lying on the little gilded table.
i "Cardsr7 he hesitated. II do not pla,
II cardsl L promised0
"You promised mew said Lettice, wit
pretty imperiousness, "and 1 certainl,
4 Shall grant you no dispensation from tn
4 promiseW
IL can not play cardsW he persists
with paIlor and gravity that mad
pretty Kate open her turquoise-blue eye
very wide.
'.It.s only bazique," said she. "And
can teach you in live minutes!?
'srhanks-but do not wish to learn.
~
Lettice Grenville drew her hand cpldl
from his arm. =
"If you really persist in being so disc
/ Digging, MI. luUiue, 6u0 SalQ, - Ca
only apologize iOr my persistence, ant
assure you that l shall ask no more IA
; vors iOr the futureW III
..Did you ask it as fator, Miss Grer
, villeW
| 'Of course did"
Il Mark -hesitated-he colored white an
red. The group of girls watched hii
with curious sort of fascination.
81 "Tll wager pair OF gloves on Le
tice," whispered Minnie Moore.
!, s.And PHI bet ON the young man fr0l
, the country" retorted Kate Leslie.
II Mark neither heard nor contemplate
t their whispers. Lettice Grenville di
/; both. A Willful sparkle came into he
, eyes. 1t was a matter Of no importanc
, whatsoever, but she would conquer. 6h
, was used to having her own way, an
: this should be no exception.
..Io oblige me, Mr.. Thornew she cooe,
/ with one Of her brilliant mesmerl
, glances, shining through dark lashe
t like radiant planet glowing through
: tangle OF tr0pic vines.
Il And Mark could but accede.
: "To oblige you, Miss Grenville,"
1 said, ~ can but try. Although, ! dal
a say, my fair instructresses will lind u
0 very stupid"
. "tye won my glovesw cried Mimi
lin o laughing 'saside." Number si;
Q two buttons, lavender, stitched vii
d white, remember, Kate" x
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