Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1902-12-03
NOTHING RISK,
NOTHING GAIN
lOriginal.I

marked out the course Of his life dis
tinctly. He had studied his profession
in country town where he would not
be diverted from his purpose by the
influences Of city life and now pro-
posed to become part of small COM
munity where his identity would not
be lost. He would thus have every
opportunity to acquire distinction.
Reginald spent the summer before
entering on the practice Of the law at
Thistledown, the country residence Of
his uncle, where he met, among other
guests, Marion Blythe. Marion was q
dashing girl who, II she had been born
a man, would have been more devoted
to studying the points of winning
horses on the turf than the principles
laid down by Blackstone. Reginald
fell desperately In love with her, and
though she did not reveal her prefer
ence for him. he at times felt sure she
loved him.
Reasons Of convenience, however. had
seemed to determine Mari0n's future.
She had been brought up to wealth,
but her father had died insolvent. Her
mother had planned for her to marry
a rich man. Indeed, 1t had been ar
ranged that Howard Blakely, the es-
timated owner Of half q million, should
meet her at Thistledown for the Dur
pose OF becoming her husband. He
possessed one trait In common with
Marion-he was devoted to those sports
In which money is lost and won. The
young men at Thistledown did not
scruple to play poker in the drawing
reom after the ladies had retired to
their rooms, and some Of the latter oc-
casionally remained to watch the
game. Gambling In any form was not
In accordance with Reginalds plans,
and he resolutely kept aloof.
Reginald" said Marion one evening
when both were watching the players,
why don't you take handT
Il never gamble"
IF you take no risk In life, you will
win no great prize. There should be a
leayen Of chance taking In a mans ma
ture."
Now, Blakely was at the time bet.
ting high and losing with admirable
good nature. Reginald felt that he
was overshadowed In Marion's good
graces by the mans especial proclivi-
ty, and it fretted him. "Give me $40
In chips" he said to the banker and
was soon playing with the rest.
This was the beginning. The end
Ing was one night when all had drop
ped out Of the game except Emory and
Blakely. the others having gone to a
fete. Marion had come down looking
very charming In evening costume,
ready to go with the others, but, see
Ing Emory and Blakely over the cards, |
had remained to watch them play.
Emory had developed a remarkable In |
tuitive foresight when to take risks,
and. though Marion was not aware of |
1t. a portion Of Blakely's fortune had |
passed to Emory.
THAT exhausts my bank account"
said Blakely after losing an enormous |
pot, "but l have certificates showing q
deposit Of $4,000 In stocks and bonds
at my brokers'"
Never mind the certificates" re-
piled Emory. your word Is sum.
Client"
The night wore on. The men contin.
ued to play, the girl to look on. Blake
ly's fortune passed into Emory's hands
till at last all was lost. Blakely sat
Ike one In trance. The change from
affluence to poverty was 80 appalling
that he was benumbed by 1t. Finally
he arose and took Emory apart. There
was short conference, after which
the two returned to the table. Hav-
Ing each been dealt hand and drawn,
they showed their cards.
'Three kings" said Blakely.
Full Of tens" said Emory.
Blakely arose and, with a melancholy
adieu, looking at Marion. but not
speaking to her, left the room and the
house.
What was the subject Of converse
ton between you and Howard when
you withdrew from mew asked Mar.
lon.
He proposed to decide by one poker
hand whether he should give up all
pretentions to your hand against $10,-
BOO. with which to get new start.
the mohey terms to all l had
won."
"And you two had the assurance to
gamble for my favorT
you told me before l began to play
poker at all. IL you take no risk In
life. you will win no great prize"
The girl sat thinking.
Reginald" she said at last, II am
lot sure whether l have acted wisely
II endeavoring to introduce more
chance taking into your nature, but
his l know-there are great possibili-
les in you. For fear that some silly
may wreck them | will take
harge OF them myself. Restore How.
I'd Blakely's fortune. I will see that
hereafter you do not swerye from that
purpose which you have marked out
or yourself"
81 cannot restore fortune | have {
lot received, but when II comes to me .
shall decline to take It,"
Reginald Emory went to a small
ountry town. as he had intended to
%. and opened an Office. Several years
fter he married Marion Blythe. and '
very one said that such a woman.
red to city life. would wreck his ca.
eer with country people. Marion, how 9
yer, showed rare tact, and after sew
raj acts of kindness she became q
reat favorite with her country neigh
ors. The pair managed to save lit .