The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-08-13

Who Is the young fellow WIN the yeiioW
hair, Duff" whispered Capt. Lorraine as he
and his friend stood on the outer edge OF the
small circle gathered round couple OF
ecarte players at the Nebulus Club.
"Archie Lidyard .
Never heard of him; he's got the card
fever pretty strongly, eh?" he added, as
thew moved away TO the other end of the
room.
young fool!" calculated Duff, as he
flung himself into a seat and ordered his
whisky and soda; he's just going the pace
as fast as he can. I've known him since ne
was so high, all legs and Eton collar! His
mother is charming woman, but great
deal too weak to deal with fellow like
that"
Ali" remarked Lorraine without any
great interest; land who's the man he's
playing with?"
"a friend of Val Travers-a colonial, l
fancy-Mr. James Ruthven by name. Why
will youngsters like Lidyard always choose
such opponents?"
"You don't think -
"Oh, no." interposed Duff, hastily.
" verything is all square, I've no doubt;
only Archie Lidyard's about as fit to hold
card against cool-headed experienced man
as am to discuss the Apocalypse with the
Archbishop of Canterbury. l say, waiter.
can't that window be made to shut behind
there?" he remarked, testify, to the man
who set his glass down beside him. "There's
most abominable draft"
"Yes, sir; I'll see sir" replied the waiter,
quickly, as he jumped onto the window-sil
behind the couch on which the two friends
sat and began to tussle with the window.
us this young friend of yours rich :? +"
asked Lorraine, noticing that his companion
was still watching the party at the card
table.
Archie Lidyard? Pm not sure that l
should call him friend of mine. l like his
mother, but I've small patience with the
young jackanapes. Rich? No-not at
present, at any rate. The father was big
ironmaster, who made colossal fortune
and, unluckily for young hopeful over there
died half dozen years ago. The man was
tolerably clear-sighted, though, and left the
bulk of his money to his wife, stipnlating
that Archie's minority should not terminate
till he reached his 25th, year, and that until
that time his all0waifce' should not exceed n
certain figure. He has to get through a
couple of years before he attains his ma
iority, and, in consequence, poor Mrs Lid
yard lives in chronic state of pulling her
son out of the mire, paying his debts and
sending him on his way to sin no more
It's terribly hard on the poor woman. He's
an only child, and, of course, there's nothing
she wouldn't do for him."
"Very sad. But, ! say, Duff" broke off
Capt Lorraine, "it does seem to me that the
Nebulus Club is about the coldest place In
London"
As he spoke, a wndOv went up with a
sIarn bang. and the W ite leaDt down from
behind them.
"You won't feel anything more of the
draft now, think, sir," he said, addressing
Duff.
: "Oh, is it shut now? You were precious
long time about it,"
Someone near the card table called to the
waiter, and he hurried there; at the same
moment Archie Lidyard rose.
"No, won't take my revenge tonight,
he said, with an attempt at a laugh. =" What's
the amount of my debt, Mr. Ruthven?"
LET me see, 5O0-yes $50 pounds. But
there's no hurry if you haven't your check
book with you. You can send it round to
| my hotel any time tomorrow. don't
! leave for Paris till the night mail"
Thank you," said young Lidyard. I'D
sworn off cards or ] should have had it with
me. You are putting up at the Savoy, !
| think?n
"Yes, No. 49," replied Ruthven. "You
may as well come and lunch with me?"
! 81 will if / possibly can" said young Lid
! yard but if not I'll send check round
| Stay, though" he exclaimed, suddenly.
| can discharge a portion of my debt at once
| The flush deepened on his cheeks as he
| fumbled in his pocketbook and drew out a
check; he glanced at it and his hand shook
! ;t,l, l,ah h.f1 - IN, ri Rut "'Ehaf
| i, for 300" he explained; you shall have
| the rest tomorrow"
Ruthven in his turn glanced at the check.
ITO Eva Lidyard!" he read, half aloud
in tone of some surprise.
"My mother" replied young Lidyard,
little sharply. az think you will find the
Endorsement all right. will give you an
/ 0 U for the balance"
He was about to call for the waiter when
the man who had been standing at his side
| throughout the transaction handed him the
writing materials.
Archie Lidyard wrote the acknowledge
ment, spoke few words to those round
him, and then left the room it was evident
in spite of the young mans efforts at calm
ness and unconcern, that the loss was q
serious one, and the evenings work nC
laughing matter.
But James Ruthven was naturally in 9
more cheerful mood. He was not a poor
man, but he was far enough from being 8
millionaire to feel no slight satisfaction al
the respectable sum of his winnings. Five
hundred and fifty pounds was a total worthy
Of consideration and it must be confessed
that he looked at the slip of paper bearing
the pretty signature Of Eva Lidyard " Oh
the back with a certain amount of com
placency before retiring to rest
He was aroused PIext morning by loud
knocking at his doom Il
"Eh? Come in-what's the matter; wha,
do you want?" he inquired, starting up.
"a lady to see you, sir"
"What?D
Ruthven admitted the servant, glancine
at his watch as he passed; it was just hal
past nine; who could wish to see him 81
soon.
"a lady to see me, did you say?"
ayes, sir"
"What sort Of lady ?" inquired Ruthven
obviously.
81 can't rightly say, sir; she's got a thicl
vail on, and she's all IN black"
"Did she give You no card?"
All