The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-02-04
THE DEVILS CaRD.

boulevard among SIX Of his intimate companions, all young men of the world like himself. In accordance with an ancient Paris custom, he wished to bring his life of single blessedness to an end by giving merry entertainment to his former comrades. He was to be married in three days at Saint Philippe-du- Roule. The intended bride was Mime. de Lucay, charming young widow, who had many ardent suitors. As the wine went round, his friends heartily congratulated him on his triumph. During the repast his good fortune was the chief topic of conver- sation, until, at dessert, many already had begun to envy him.
 "Well, Fernand," remarked one of the guests, q must say that when you came into the world you drew lucky ticket in the lottery of for tune."
 "Yes, indeed, between ourselves, l must admit have very little to com plain of," answered Fernand.
 Just as he had finished speaking the first bottle of champagne was opened. The foam sparkled in the crystal cups. The young men, wholly intent on en- joyment, scarce lent an ear to the ex- piring din and noise of Paris when the great city is about to sink into slumber. But just at this moment one of the walters. entered and handed Fernand dainty little card.
 ff - E. l. lie cafe," exclaimed the jolly host, re- fusing to accept the card with an air of lofty disdain. "Tell the gentle man he may present himself at my rooms on Louis-le- Grand street to- morrow. If I be at home I shall be very happy to receive him."
 "But, sir" one of the guests aptly remarked, "you have not even taken the trouble to look at the name of the visitor who sends in his card"
 "Why, that's so," replied Fernand. "Let us see who is this fellow who chooses such queer visiting hours"
 Having pompously adjusted his eye-glass, he held up the card and tried to decipher the name. He had to give it up.
 "There is some name scrawled on it." he remarked, in puzzled way, "but for the life of me, can't make it out. Perhaps some of you may suc- ceed in deciphering it," he continued, handing it in turn to each af his friends seated around the table.
 The six of them struggled with it in turn, and finally gave it up in de- spair.
 The circumstance alone was enough to excite the curiosity off less inquir- ing mind than Fernand's. A moment before he was about to dismiss the stranger unceremoniously now he had the keenest desire to see him.
 "Tell the gentleman to come in," he said, addressing waiter.
 In moment the seven gay youths saw approach young man, hat in hand, rather below medium height, who saluted all present with grace ful bow and in pleasant tone of voice. He was dressed in the most approved fashion, with white cravat and gloves, and wore a dainty little eye-glass. His face was extremely handsome-a trifle too effeminate for young man, perhaps, but it bore the expression of quiet resolution that seemed to compensate for the absence of beard and mustache.
 "Sir," said Fernand, addressing him, "you have been considerate enough to send in your card, and I should there fore know your name, but, truth to tell, have not been able to read it. not even to spell it."
 "Very well, sir, I shall have the honor of telling it to you in an in- stant," replied the stranger with pleasant smile.
 "But, in the meantime, you will please inform me in what capacity you have come to speak to me?"
 "In that of creditor. Perhaps we had better retire to a private seat for a moment"
 "It is not necessary. A creditor An! do not be at all embarrassed, sir speak out without the least reserve. These six gentlemen are very intimate friends. They will not be at all sur prised to learn that have few out standing debts in Paris. And now may inquire what it is about?"
 "Monsieur de Roquefeuil, some ten years ago, as you doubtless remember, you sacrificed your entire fortune to save the honor of the Viscount de Brevames, an old friend of your fathers boyhood. After having paid a debt of 30O,OOO francs you found that your excessive generosity left you entirely dependent. What could a young man like you, brought up amid wealth and luxury, do on ind ing himself suddenly deprived of all his means? In your apartment on Louis-le- Grand street you took one evening a sheet of note paper, and