The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1890-04-17

''And her husband went-for he was
newly married, and his lovely wife could
do what she pleased with him.C
Again the proprietor paused, and
turned his eyes on the listeners face.
Evasio was interested in spite of him
self, by the graphic manner in which the
narrator told the tale, and he requested
him to proceed.
"The result of the conversation was"
the proprietor continued, that the ruined
gambler accompanied the lady and gen
tleman back to their hotel, and there he
told them the exact circumstances of his
losses, and of the disgrace and ruin
which awaited him next morning.
The gentleman was in some hesita-
ton as to what to do; but his wife bent
over him from behind, as he sat cOnsid-
ering, and entreated him softly, You
will lend the poor man the money he
needs, will you not?'
"NTy dear he protested, it is eight
thousand florins'
"'But you are rich, she pleaded, and
will not miss the money. Oh, do lend it
to him'
$50, to cut my story short, the beauti-
full lady's pleading prevailed. And the
poor ruined devil left the hotel that night
with a draft for 10000 florins in his
pOcket-a saved manl'
"That is an unexpected end to the
stOry!" exclaimed Evasio. 81 did not
think the gambler was going to cheat the
devil after all Besides, don't see how
it affects my present case, since no mu-
nificent stranger is likely to rise up and
help me. Unless" with an eager glance
at the proprictor's face, you will take
pity on me and lend me some money!"
The other shook his head. II can
lend you nothing" he answered.
Every well-don't!n retOrted EvasiO
angrily. (There was tirmness in the
mans tone which showed his decision
irrevocable, and thus rendered further
civility useless.) But | should have
thought that, after just speaking so
warmly of your beautiful lady's kindness,
and in consideration, too, of the sum
that have already lost at your tables
"Stayr' interposed the other quickly.
You speak of your losses. According
to the account you gave me last night,
they amount to 300 florins. Is that a
correct esimate?''
81 wish to God it was not!' groaned
Evasio bitterly, land that | had never
entered your cursed saloon"
The proprietor made no verbal reply
but he took small bundle of papers
from his breast pocket and laid it on the
table in front of EvasiO.
"What are these?' cried the young
man in surprise.
'NOtes for the exact amount of youl
losses. Count them. You will see that
have restored every penny
II do not understand was all that
Evasio could grasp out. Surely his ears
must be playing him false.
'Hear my explanation them" said the
proprietor. THAT gambler whom tolG
you of, vowed that, should fortune evel
give him the chance of serving his lovely
benefactress, or any of hers, he woult
eagerly embrace it. Such a chance for
tune offers now. | knew you at once, by
your likeness to her, to be her son. Can
you not guess? That kind lady was YOU
mother-the gambler, me!n
Evasio sat dumb with amazement. He
could not utter so much as word OF
| thanks.
The other rose, took up his hat anC
stick, and walked to the door. On the
threshold he paused, tnrned round, anC
said gravely;
II make one stipulation, that you re
turn to England to-day. And when yor
reach home you will tell, perhaps, to YOU
lady mother, that the poor devil whom
she saved long ago at Homburg, has not
forgotten her or her generous kindnessY
l-LOndOn Truth.