The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1896-09-10
A DEBT OF HONOR.

"Who is the young fellow with the
yellow hair, Duff whispered Captain
Lorraine, as he and his friend stood on
tbe outer edge of the small circle gath
ererd round couple of ecarte players
at the Ncbulus Club.
"Archle Lidyard-"
"Nevcr heard Of him; he's got the
card fever pretty strongly, eh?' he add
ed as they moved away to the other
end of the room.
"Young foolw calculated Duff, as he
Hung himself into a seat, hes just go
ling the pace as fast as he can. I've
known him since he was SO high, all
lecs and Eten collar! His mother is u
charming woman, but great deal too
weak to deal with fellow like that"
"Ah!" remarked Lorraine, without
bny great interest, land who's the man
he's playing with?
"A friend of Val Travers: a colonial,
fancy Mr.. James Ruthven by name.
Why will youngsters like Lidyard al
ways choose such opponents?"
"You don't think"
"Oh, nor interposed Duff, hastily.
Everything is all square, I've no
oubt, only Archie Lidyards about as
to hold card against cool-headed
Gperienced man, as l am to discuss
be apocalypse with the Archbishop Of
anterbury. l say, waiter, can't that
fndow be made to shut fehind there p
remarked, testify, to servant.
Yes, sir. I'll see, SIR" replied the
Fater quickly. as he jumped onto the
ndow sill behind the couch on which
be two friends sat, and began to tus-
with the window.
'ls this young friend Of yours rich?"
Bked Lorraine, noticing that his com
MON was still watching the party at
e card table.
Archie Lidyard? I'm not sure that
should call him a friend Of mine.
Re his mother. but I've small patience
tn the young jackanapes. Rich? No,
at present, at any rate; the father
Is big ironmaster who made CO.
sal fortune, and, unluckily for young
peful over there, died half a dozen
Prs ago; the man was tolerably clear
Thted, though, and left the bulk of
money to his wife, stipulating that
ches minority should not terminate
he reached his 25th year, and that,
til that time, his allowance should
exceed certain figure. He has to
through couple Of years before he
aims his majority, and, in cense-
Pnce, poor Mrs. Lidyard lives in a
pnic state of pulling her son out Of
mire, paying his debts, and sending
on his way to sin no more! It's
IDLY hard on the poor woman He's
only child, and, of course, there's
ping she wouldn't do for him."
cry sad. But l say, Duff" broke
iapt. Lorraine, 'it does seem to me
the Nebulus Club is about the cold
place in London"
he spoke window went up with
narp bang, and the waiter leapt
p from behind them.
ou won't feel anything more of the
ght now, think, SIR" he said, ad-
Sing Duff.
h' Is it shut now? You were a
Gus long time about It,"
me one near the card table called
waiter, and he hurried there; at
anne moment Archie Lidyard rose.
D. | won't ka
he said, with an attempt at a
what's the amount of my debt,
Ruthven"
me see, f500-yes, 1855. But
no hurry IL you haven't your
Dook with you. You can send it
TO my hotel any time tomorrow.
leave for Paris till the night
ank you," said young Lidyard.
worn on cards or l should have
with me, You are putting up
Savoy, think?" -..l1l
NO. 49," replied Ruthven. "You
well come and lunch with me 2"
III II possibly can," said young
u but If not, I'll send check
Stay, though" he exclaimed,
~ Il can discharge portion of
pt at once The flush deepened
checks as he fumbled in his
Dook and drew out a check; he
at 1t, and his hand shook a
ne held it toward Ruthven.
Tor f3O0," he explained; "you
ave the rest tomorrow"
yen in his turn glanced at the
eva Lidyardw he read. half
tone of some surprise. :
aother," replied young Lidyard.
narply. \ think you viii hnd