Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-01
THE GAMBLER
KATHERINE CECIL. THURSTOll,
Auehor Of kasquer
by atherne Thursoa.

cauld. I'm dying to see all the people 20,
put in your letters. They're like character:
heroine! Oh. I'm so happy. Clo!' she cried
ecstaticaliy; I'm so happy. Do you carr
fo- me? Do you want me much-very
mGch?" .
Her dark-blue eyes searched Clodagh's
face. as they had been wont to search il
long ago. for, beneath the pretty manner
that time had taught her. her warm, loya
nature had remained unchanged.
And as C1odagh returned her glance hei
heart suddenly sank. Until the moment OF
her meeting with Nance she had been con
scious of ely one desire in her regard
the desire to fully confess to her appropria.
ton Of the e1.0o0. For. In the Iull tina,
had followed the previous nights crisis
she had seen this confession as the sole
means Of regaining self-respect- Her other
folties-her gambling, her extravagances-
one personal act Of weakness she could still
do penance. And now, by her very faith,
By her very love, Nance had shaken the
desire.
This spontaneous. unsuspicious admira-
tion was the sweetest experience that had
come to her for years. She individually
returned the pressure Of the clingmg fin
gers, as she drew her sister through the
snlan gate Of the station. She was glad to
think that there was the drive home, the
moments of arrival and of unpacking, be-
fore any mention of personal matters could
break in upon the present calm
Outside the station Nance saw the two
dogs for the first time. and insisted upon
making friends with them before entering
the trap.
'Did you miss Mick dreadfully when you
sent him back to Orristown?" she asked,
when at last she took her seat.
''Dreadfully." Clodagh answered, taking
the reins from the groom. But l didn't
know what to do with him when left the
villa. You see. had no real plans"
NO. no: of course not. But you'll get
him back soon?''
Yes, want to-" Clodagh gathered ur
the reins. and the pony started forward at
swift trot. But, do you know, Nance,
have thought OF going to Orristown In q
month or so. Would you like to come to
Ireland?"
Like to- Oh. Clio. have dreamed and
dreamed of our being at Orristown to-
gether.tust you and me Can you pic
iong-and making Hannah cook us the
most heavenly cakes for tea.''
r She clasped her hands rapturously, re-
gardless of her new white gloves.
Clodagh laughed softly and affection
ately.
oh. you child.' she said, almost en-
viously.
How sweet and pretty and unaffected
denly stepped back into her life. An over
whelmingly tender feeling of protectiveness
welled up within her--a sudden. deep long
ing to shelter and guard her. to hedge her
Nance" she said impulsively, have you
ever thought that 1 behaved badly to YOU
Behaved unfairly in any way?"
''Unfairly?'
yes"
Nance laughed
You're dreaming, Clio. How could you
behave unfairly?''
Suppose some one were to tell you that
had?'
II shouldn't believe it, that's ALL"
IF 1 were to tell your Clodaghs fingers
frightened on the reins.
IF you were to tell me that" Nance said
very slowly, II think 1t would spoil every
thing in the world. / believe $3.50 dread
fully in you. But why talk about it, when
it's nonsense?" She shook off the momen-
tary shadow that had fallen between them
Il hate Ifs, unless they're very happy
ones"
So Clodagh struggled no more with her
conscience during the drive along the shady
Bucknghamshire roads. Yielding to the
spell of Nance's voice. she Iulled the knowl-
edge of impending dffnculties and opened
her ears to the tale OF her sisters expe-
riences-of her friends, her acquaintances
her pleasures. her occupations-all poured
forth with a perfectly ingenious egottsm
that was a refreshment and delight.
Though they remained together al
through the morning and afternoon. the sis
ters had no further opportunity of tete-
a-tete. Immediately on their arrival at
Tuffneli Lady Diana had gracously made
Nance welcome and had introduced her to
her fellow-guests and the remainder OF
the day had been spent first In tennis and
croquet, later in a long coach drive, which
included call upon some neighbors of the
Tuffneils. Almost Immediately after din
ner. however, Clodagh had pleaded that
Nance was tired and had borne her off to
her own room. There she dismissed 81.
monetta and. closing the door. drew for
ward two chairs to the open window
now she said. eat last! What do you
think of Tuffnell and Of everybody" She
le
sigh.
But Nance. instead of answering. tiptoed
across the room and, bending over the back
of her chair, gave her long, impulsye
kiss
'Darling!" she cried. "Clo, You are SO
lovely! l am SO proud OF you!'
Ciodagh pressed her cheeks against the
warm lips. then drew Nance round to the
side of her chair.
Talk to me- she said. Tell me whether
you like Tuffnell."
Nance gave little laugh of inconse-
quert happiness and nestled down at heI
sisters feet
''Tuffneli Is heavenly. But there are only
four nice people here
-Four nice people? What do you mean %
What I say. There are only four nice
people here-you, of course''-she lifted one
OF Clodagh's hands and pressed it against
her lips-"and Lady Diana TuffnelI anC
Mr.. Tuffnell. and that nice, fair man with
the sunburned face"
Clodagh withdrew her hand from her sis.
ter's.
"Sir Walter Gore?"
Yes. Don't you think him nicer
Il? Oh. II don't know"
But why? He likes YOU"
Clodagh gave a quick, unsteady laugh anG
sank back into her chair.
Dear little Nance. What a baby you are
If there is one person in the world whc
does not like me. 1t Is Sir Walter Gore"
With a sudden movement of interes
Nance sat up and looked at her sister.
But he does. Cio." she said. Il saw hin
looking at you over and over again. wheT
you were talking to other people. He like.
you Oh he does like you! And he doesn't
care one bit for Lady Frances Hope. though
she follows him everywhere he GOES
But Clodagh sat suddenly uprignt, and
with an abrupt gesture. put her hand or
her sisters shoulder
Nance" she said. sharply. you are talk
ing about things that you don't understand
Don't talk about them. lit annoys me-"
But Clio"
For answer Clodagh stopped and kissed
her almost nervously.