Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1893-08-10

v. ~
swift glance that took in all the
occupants of the room; 1.-The notice
saying that there were three whist
players in the east card-room who
wanted a fourth at a quarter past
eight Only good players need
apply"
Richmond glanced at the young
man with certain severity. behind
which was CLEAN of amusement,
aud came toward the card table.
"l"-began young Stevens; but it
was old Mrs Mccullough who settled
the matter.
Well" she interrupted. do come
and sit down. I'm sure don't know
how you got here, but we're glad
enough to see you. I'll play with
Mr.. Mccullough because I am used
to him. You can play with my part
ner."
Were wasting lot Of precious
time, said Mr.. Mccullough. and the
handsome woman came forward from
the doorway and picked up the cards
that lay at hee place.
Richmond seated himself opposite,
and for ten minutes not a word was
spoken. She did play we'll one of
those intelligent, pliable games which
show science. memory and compre-
hension Richmond was delighted
with her If at critical point he
planned a brilliant stroke. she caught
his intention instantly and cooper
ated. He was not curious about her
personally; he had barely looked at
her: she was simply his s6illful com
rade. 1t was her deal, and as she
picked up the cards she shufied them
once. Eichmoud's eyes we've on her
fingers. and he started little She
mixed the cards by an odd bit of
manipulation. He had never seen
but one other person do ii. The next
time he watched her: then he glanced
from her fingers to her face in sudden,
sharp inquiry. Her eyes were on his;
they wore a look that might have
been triumph. The game went on.
The low tones of the young people
were almost whispers.
If you had that ace you were a
long time playing it, Charlotte, said
Mr.. Mccullough. at the endof hand.
"One doesn't win by being in a
hurry" she answered. easily.
NO" said the stranger, speaking
| for almost the first time. lone does
not
The words were simple, but to
Richmond's ear they were emphatic
He looked at her with a certain air
of suspense, and again she met his
look. Another hand was played.
''You did it that time" said Rich
mond. at the end of it, as he scored
three tricks.
"Yes, said she, smiling. Il thought
it was time l took matters into my
own hands"
He turned little pale, and dealt
the cards with his eyes on her face.
The evening slipped on; the game
was close and interesting.
That play of yours was an unusual
one said Richmond, but success
full"
! Yes" she answered, slowly: Il
broke all the rules 30 do it 1t was q
forced lead, but there seemed nothing
else to do"
There were bright red spots in her
cheeks anu she held her handsome
head very high as she spoke. He
laid down the cards as if to stop
. playing; then
ut saved the game" he said con-
cisely, as he picked them up again.
Il thought you had that queen,
Charlotte. said Mr.. Mccullough In
ireful reproach, from the way you
played before"
1t is dangerous to draw infer
ences," said Richmond quickly, look
ing across the table.
Not usually" she answered light
~, III one knows ones partner"
At ID o'clock Richmond, instead
OF taking up the hand she had just
dealt him, put both his arms on the
table and leaned across it. Mrs Nc
Cullough looked as If the skies would
fall. and Mr.. Mccullough said:
Come, Come Richmond needed
neither OF them.
"Will you tell me why you played
as you did," he asked with sudden
sternness. His partner looked at
him and her eyes fell for a moment
Then. with her first full composure,
she answered:
1t has taken me a long time to
return your lead; but l found, soon
enough, that it is from what is my
strongest suit as we'll"
Come, come" said Mr.. Nc
Cullough; "a great deal OF talk
about a hand that is past and gone
Pick up your cards. man.
Instead of doing so Richmond stood
UP. The young people stopped talk
ing, and even the reading old man
laid down his book.
us your name still Frances Efing-
ham" be asked
Yes" she said, rising too
Have you come back to me!n
Yes she said again.
81 have waited long time" he
went on.
Yes There was n pause.