The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1890-11-06
THE DEVILS CARD.

IL was midnight. Fernand de
RoqueIeuil Was seated in a cafe on
the boulevard among sig Of his init
mate companions, all young men Of
the world like himself. In accord
ance with an ancient Paris custom,
he wished 10 bring his life Of single
bIessedness to an end by giving q
merry entertainment to his former
comrades. He was to be married In
three days at Saipt-Phillippi-du-
RouIe. The Intended bride was Nine.
de Lucay, 8 charming young widow,
who had many ardent suitors. As
the wine went around his friends
heartily congratulated him on his
triumph. During the repast, his
good fortune was the chief topic Of
conversation, until, at dessert, many
already had begun 60 envy him.
well, FernAnd, !" remarked one Of
the guests, al must say that when
you zane into the world you drew q
lucky ticket In the lottery Of for
tune"
eyes, indeed, between ourselves,
must admit I have very little 20
complain of" answered Farnand.
just a. he had finished speaking,
the first hottie Of champagne was
opened. The foam sparkled In the
crystal cups. The yOu0g men, wholly
intent OF enjoyment, scarce lent an
ear To ilir expiring din and noise OF
Paris when the great city is about 20
sink into sIumbeT. Hut just nj this
moment one Of the walters entered
and handed Fernand dainty little
card.
"a visit at this hour, and In pub
lie cafe exclaimed the jolly host,
refusing Go accept the card with m
air Of lofty disdaIn. Tell the gen
tleman he may present himself al
my rooms on I.Ouis-Ie-Grand street
tomorrow. n I he at home 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 80, " replied Fernand.
"I,et us see who IL this fellow who
chooses such queer visiting hours"
Having Pompnusly adjusted his
eyeglass, he held up the card and
tried TO decipher the name. He had
60 give Il up.
There is some name scrawled on
it," he remarked, in q puzzled way,
"but for the life Of re can't make
lt out. Perhaps some Of you may
succeed In deciphering it," he con-
tlnued, handing Il in turn to each Of
his friends seated around the table.
The six Of them struggled with II
la turn, and finally gave % up In
despair.
The circumstances alone was
enough to excite the curiosity Of
less inquiring mind than Fernand's.
A moment before he was about to
dismiss the stranger unceremOnious- |
Iy now he had the keenest desire 10
, see him.
"Tell the gentleman to come In"
he said, addressing q waiter.
In q moment the seven gay youths
saw approaching young man, hat
in hand rather below medium height
who saluted all present with grace
full bow and In . pleasant tone OF
voice. He was dressed In the most
approved fashion, with white craYat
aud gloves, and wore . dainty little
eyeglsss. His face was extremely
handsome-a trifie too effeminate for
. young man, PerhaPs, but it bore
the expression Of q quiet resolution
that seemed to compensate for the
absence Of beard and mOustaehe.
"Sir," said Fernand, addressing
him, "you have been consIderate
enough to send In your card, and ]
should therefore know your name,
hut, truth TO tell, have not been
able to read It-uot even TO spell IT,"
avery we'll, sir, I shalt have the
honor Of telling 70 90 you In an In
slant" replied the stranger. with .
pleasant smile.
"But, In the meantime, you will
please inform me In what capacity
you have come Ia speak 10 me?"
"In that OF creditor. Perhaps we
had better retire TO q private seat for
q moment"
at 10 not necessary. A creditor!
All! do not be at all embarrassed,
sir; speak out without the least re-
serve. These sIK gentlemen are very
intimate friends. They will not be
nj all surprised to learn that have
q few outstanding debts In Paris
And now may inquire what Il 10 ,
about"
monsieur de Roguefeuil, some ten
years ago. - you doubtless remem.
Der, you sacrificed your entire for {
tune 10 save the honor Of the Wis {
count de BrevaInes, en- old friend Of =
your fathers boyhOOd. After having .
paid . debt Of 10000 francs. you q
foasd that ysuT excessive generosi- .
~ left yeu entirely dependent. Q
What could o young man lie you, q
brought up amid wealth and luxury. n
% on fiBdIng himself Suddenly de- '
prived Of Ill his meansf In your c
On Louis-le-0 rsnd street.
pea ssek, one evsaing ashest q satsI 3