Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-03
THE GAMBLER
uncovered head, laid one hand on the shaft
KATHERINE CECIL THURSTO1I.
Aut 1.-THE Masquerader," Etc.
Copyright

uncovered head, laid one hand on the shaft
Of the trap.
"Oh, it's good of you. It's good of your
she exclaimed. I'VE can never forget it."
Then the color flooded her cheeks and her
eyes filled. "Oh, he's SO badr' she added.
Its so terrible to see hin-so terrible"
She looked up with alarm and impotence
into Milbanke's face.
But it was not the guest but old Burke
who found words to calm her fear and
grief. Leaning down from his seat, he laid
a rough hand on her shoulder.
Whist. now. Miss Clodagh!' he said,
softly. whist now! Sure God is good.
While there's life there's hope. Don't be
belevin' anythin' else. Sure what is he but
a young man YETI"
That's true, Burke! That's true!' Clo-
in, Mr. Milbanke?'' she added You know
how welcome you are"
Once inside the hall, she turned to him
quickly and confidingly.
Il can never forget that you've done
this" she said. It's a really, really gen
erous thing. But all my mind is full of
father. You can understand, can't you?"
Her agitation, her ALARM her evident
never previously faced all touched him
deeply His tone was low and gentle as
he responded
Il understand perfectly-perfectly' he
said. Poor Denis! Poor Denis! How did
the thing occur?"
ooh, just accident-just an accident
About six months ago he took fancy for
riding late at night He used to ride for
miles along the most dangerous paths of
the cliff. I knew it wasn't safe; 1 said so
over and over again. But you know
father'' She gave a little hopeless shake
of her head. ION Monday night he sad
died one of the young horses at about 10
O'Clock and went out by himself 1t came
to II and he hadn't returned. Then We be-
gan to get uneasy, and at 1 o'clock we
started to look for him. After search all
along W wa0Qpd h3r
tween two of the upper lodges of the rocks
terribly-terribly hurt She shuddered pal
pably at the recollection. I'VE didn't know
we don't know even now-quite how it
happened. But we think the horse must
have lost his footing and fallen over the
cliff, throwing father for the poor thing
was found dead on the shingle next morn
ing. Twas a miracle that father escaped
with his life. but he's terribly injured"
She paused again, as though the subject
was too painful to be pursued.
Milbanke looked at her compassonately.
Has he had proper medical advce?'' he
asked.
"Oh yes. Dr. Gallagher from Carrigmore
has done everything and we have trained
That's right. I must have talk with
the doctor. But how is Denis now? Will
he know me, do you think?'
ooh yes. Ever since the first night he
has been quite conscious He expects you.
He's longing to see you"
'Then may l go to hm?'
Clodagh nodded, and, turning, led the
way silently up the remembered staircase.
On the landing the recollection of their
curious interview on his first night at Orris-
town required forcibly to Milbanke He
glanced at his guide to see if it had any
place in her mind; but her thoughts were
evidently full of other things. With a
quick gesture that enjoined silence, she led
him down the corridor, upon which rough
fiber mats had been strewn to deaden sound.
With that peculiar sensation OF awe that
SeriOuS illness engenderS tlDtOed
after her, a sense of apprehensve depres-
sion growing upon him with every step. AS
they neared the end Of the passage, a door
opened nOiselessly and two figures emerged
from a darkened room. The taller of the
two-a pale. emaciated woman dressed in
mourning-was unknown to him, but
glance told him that the latter was little
Nance, grown to pretty, immature girlhoOd.
On catching sight of him. she drew back
with a passing touch of the old shyness;
but, conquering 1T almost directly, she came
forward and shook hands in silence. In
the momentary. greeting he saw that her
vivacious little face was red and marred by
tears; but before he had time for further
observation Clodagh touched his arm.
MY aunt, Mrs. Asshin,' she whispered.
Milbanke bowed, and Mrs. Asshin ex-
tended her hand.
I'VE meet on a sad occasion, Mr.. Mill
banke," she murmured, in a low. queru-
lous voice. my poor brother-in-law was
always such a rash man. But with some
people, you know, there Is such thing
as demonstrating. Even this morning when
Mr.. Curry, our rector from Carrgmore
came to have little talk with him he was
barely polite: and 1t was only yesterday
that we dared to tell him that DR.. Gallagher
insisted on having nurse. Now what can
you do with patient like that?"
Mlbanke murmured something vaguely
unintelgible, and Clodagh stirred mpa-
tiently
Did you give him the medicine, Aunt
FAM she asked.
Il did, but with great difficulty. My
brother-in-law has always been averse to
medical aid she explained to Milbanke.
He's never had any need of it," Clo-
dagh whispered, sharply. will you come
Mr. Mlbanke? He's quite alone. The
nurse is resting
With great dignity Mrs. Asshln moved
away.
II shall ask Hannah to get me a cup of
tea, Clodagh,' she murmured. Il get such
"a headache from a sick ROOM
Without replying, Clodagh turned again to
Mlbanke.
Hes not to get excited" she whispered
"And mind-mind-dont say that you think
him looking badly
She paused and laid her fingers lightly
on his arm, then with swift movement
she stepped forward, drawing him with her
into the big, darkened room with its sense
of preternatural quiet and its pungent. sug-
gestive smell of drugs and antiseptc dress
ings.
Cro be continued tomorrow