The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-07-01

tsrsncs. swsst little Aliosl How glad
she would have been 70 know that her
pictured face had been 30 precious to Q
struggling sister. I told her gently Of
Alice's death, shortly after my return
home, and how anxious she had been to
write to her.
Mrs. Stewart was much affected, and to
give her time TO recover, related the
principal events that had taken place
with me since last saw her. We spent q
long time in conversation--to me the
most interesting one ever held. She In
sisted that should stay at lunch, and
brought Miss Ross In to entertain me
while she superintended the same. When
finally left II was with promise to call
the next evening.
OF course did 80, and found her more
charming than ever. Before long IL
seemed that only lived from one time of
seeing her until the next. was wildly,
hopelessly In love, and though she was
Kindness itself to me, there was always an
indescribable something In her manner
that checked the words would have liked
to utter.
When away from her cursed myself
for fool, and braced up with all the rusty
old saws about faint hearts and fair ladies,
but when again in her presence the fear Of
what a refusal might mean tied my tongue.
One night escorted them TO the opera.
When we returned it was late, but Jessie,
rs always called her to myself, insisted
that / should come in. She had been un-
usually full of spirits that evening, and
her gay daughters and sallies of wit had
completely enthralled me. Miss Ross said
good-night, and discreetly left us at the
library door.
had "nowsor-never" feeling, that
caused peculiar sensation to perambu-
late up and down my spine. thought
the darkness OF the room would be fav-
orable opportunity, but before I could
take the slightest advantage of the situa-
tion she turned food OF gaslight upon
the scene, and gave me q tantalixing look
that was too much for even my cowardice,
and the next moment had her in my
arms, urging my suit with all my ardor.
But she was obdurate. She broke away
from my OBTAINING clasp, and, tossing her
wrap upon q chair, cried aleefully: g So
you say you love me. Very well, we viii
let fate decide. I won you once, fair and
square-now see II you can win me. We
will play q straight game, just as we did
that night long ago, only you shall take
Joe's place. II you win, ! am yours. II
not, I remain SINGLE"
She produced deck OF cards and box of
chips, seated herself at small table, and
motioned me to the opposite seat. There
was nothing for it but to obey. She d.
vided the chips, and, at q motion from
me, dealt. had long since mastered the
intricacies Of freeze-out," and though
seldom lucky player, resolved to play
as never man played before, for who ever
played for such stake!
had an odd feeling that she would
keep her word, and abide by the decision
of the cards. We played In silence for
awhile, she getting the best of the game.
began to bet recklessly in hopes of re-
trieving my waning fortunes, but luck
WAS steadily against me.
fancied saw q Disconnected look in
her eyes when she saw my piled reduced
to FIVE. took heart at this and began to
win. We were soon nearly even, when an
idea took possession of me. On the next
deal, drew but one card. She took three
and the betting began. went slowly at
hrst, but with q confident air that de-
ceived her. raised her till she had but
three chips left. calmly pushed in three.
She hesitated moment, then threw down
the cards. "Take i'll" she said. quietly
gathered in the chips, putting my bob
tailed flush out Of sight, and saw, az I
gathered up the cards, that she had jacks
and treys.
With such odds in my favor began to
be very hopeful. dealt; each drew two.
She quietly laid down her last chip, and
called her. She had three queens and q
pair of eights. threw down four treys,
nd caught her in my arms, claiming my
eward. She granted it, fully and freely,
but never told her what a bluff played.
Overland Monthly.