Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-05
| THE GAMBLER

KATHERINE CECIL THURSTOIl,
Author 1.-THE Masquerader," Etc.
Copyright

l
that lasted for several hours.
At o'clock there was stir of excite
ment through the house as the whisper
passed from one to another that the Dublin
surgeon had arrived. When the news
reached the sick room Milbanke drew a
breath of intense relief; but Clodagh's pale
face went shade whittier.
The great man arrived, attended by Gal
lagher, and was shown directly to his pa
tents room. There was a confused mo-
| ment Of introduction: then Milbanke and
Clodagh slipped quietly into the passage,
| leaving the doctors and nurse to their work
During full hour of indescribable sus-
pense Molyneaux made his examination.
Then. without word, he and Gallagher
EMMY to the dining room.
While this final conference lasted Clo-
dagh-who had returned to her vigil imme-
diately the doctors had left the sick room
| sat silent and motionless beside the bed;
outside In the corridor Mrs. Asshlin wan
dered to and fro, weakly fearful and agi-
tated, while Nance stood beside her fathers
door, afraid to enter and yet reluctant to
remain outside. Downstairs in the hall
Milbanke paced up and down in nervous
perturbation, awaiting his summons to the
conclave.
At last. after an interval of unbearable
length. the door opened and Gallagher look
ed out.
Mr.. Milbanke." he said, "Dr. Molyneaux
would like to see you
With little start Of agitation Milbanke
went forward at once.
In the dining room great peat fire was
burning as usual, lighting up the faces of
Asshlin's ancestors, but the candles in the
silver sconces were unlighted and the win
dow curtains had not been drawn. In the
dull light from the three long windows the
large, placid face of Molyneaux looked pre-
ternaturally long and solemn. Milbanke
felt his heart sink.
In formal silence the great man rose and
! motioned him forward. and the three sat
down at the center table.
MIR, Milbanke' he began In Slow nd
unctuous tones Il suppose you would like
me to come to the point with as little de-
lay as possible? Professional details will
not interest you"
Mibanke nodded mechanically
sMolyneauX hesitated. studying his we'll
kept hands; then he looked up with the
| decorous reserve proper to the occasion.
Il regret to inform you, Mr.. Milbanke,"
he said, softly, that my visit is of lttle-I
might say of no-avail. Dr.-er-Gallagher' S
diagnosis of the case is satisfactory-per-
sufferings. l fear we can do nothing for
our poor friend"
'Nothing?" Milbanke felt sudden dry
ness in his throat.
Molyneaux shook bus head with becoming
gravity.
Nothing, Mr.. Milbanke. The injuries to
the ribs arm, and hip we might have COPIED
with, but the seat of the trouble lies deeper.
| The Internal
But Milbanke held up his hand
peg you to give me no details" he
said, weakly. "This-this is a great shock
to me-"
He covered his face with his hand and
sat silent for few seconds.
Molyneaux tapped lightly upon the table
with his finger-tips.
1T was merely that your mind might be
fully satisfied Mr.. Milbanke" he said, a
trif1e pompously.
Milbanke started.
Forgive me- he said. II understand
fully understand. It is only the thought of
what lies before us-the thought of his
children's grief
Molyneaux made a gracious gesture OF
comprehension.
"Ah, yes" he murmurel Very distress
ing! Most distressing!'
He looked vaguely round the room: and
Gallagher, as if anticipating his thought
pulled out his watch.
Milbanke rose quickly
Il thank you very much, DR.. Molyneaux'
he said, for your-your valuable opinion. I
think Miss Asshlin wishes to know if your
train will permit you to partake of some
dinner before you leave u.s.
Molyneaux smiled with the air Of man
who has put an unpleasant duty aside
THANK you If Dr-Gallagher gives me
permission l shall be charmed He under
stands your local timeta bles. and has prom
ised that 1 shall catch the night train to
Dublin
He smiled again and glanced genially
round the frelit room.
What interesting family portraits our
poor friend possesses" he added, with
pleasant affability.
But Milbanke did not seem to hear
IF you will excuse me for moment" he
said, hastily, Il will see that you are
caused no unnecessary delay. You can I'M
derstand that we-that we are somewhat
demoralized household" His voice was
agitated, his step uneven, as he crossed the
room and passed into the hall.
Molyneaux followed him with a conven-
tional glance of sympathy: then his eyes
turned again to the pictures with the graft
fled glance of dilettante
do you happen to know if this is a Rey-
nolds?" he said to Gallagher, rising and
crossing the room.
(To be continued tomorrow