Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-04

ms Sehu yflofo, ioIuly, is be-
side the question. What possessed
you to play with Strathgate to-night?"
The money" returned his wife.
was mine l had a right to risk II.
l might ask what possessed you TO
play?"
And I might answer with your own
words. Darlington hall was mine"
Yes" said Ellen. but made OF
value by my money"
"Perdiuon." cried her husband
must | have your money thrown I'm
my face forever"
Il hardly think I can throw II IN
your face again. my lord"
And what viii prevent your"
The fact that you have won n
and It's yours"
Nonsense" said Darlington. fierce.
ly. Il know well enough that your
game with Strathgate was only NAV
1t was simply a plan concocted be-
tween you to mock me and amuse
yourselves"
My lord. you insult me-" cried FL.
len. her face flaming.
1T is fact that carries the insult
madam. make the charge on good
authority. You were overheard ar.
ranging the details" persisted nv
lord. carried beyond the facts by his
Indignation
Upon whose authority inquired
Ellen
Lady Cecily's."
and you can take her word against
miner responded his wife. bitterly.
Very well. my lord, I shall not con
descend TO Justify myself further"
Twould be useless 20 attempt it."
Indeed. and what made you risk
your castle I'm a matter in which moth
ing was involved"
Pardon me. returned Darlington.
loftiiy. There was something in
volved, something Of which you reck
little"
And that VASE"
Ny honor and the honor OF my
wife. At that time I supposed the
debt an honest one. the play fair.
Think you I could allow that to stand
against you while I had q penny"
1T was not love then that made you
interpose2"
Love" sneered Darlington. How
could ! love a woman whose chief
Joy is 20 mock me. 10 humiliate me. TO
heap ridicule upon me. 20 disgrace
me-"
you have said enough. my lord"
And YOU have no defense 70 Of
fer?"
None" said Ellen proudly.
NO word Of explanation to give7'
Not one"
NO justification 20 pload?"
mot a single plea"
Madam. this passes beyond all
bonds. Tho scene tonight was dis
graceful You ir-ulted all my guests.
you publicly brated me. you Gaunted
your money en- my face. you exposed
your person disgracofully I'm that aban-
doned hornpipe which you danced
with that Puritan DIT Of sancumoni-
BUSINESS at the harp sichord-"
Il have said before" cried Ellen.
chat you can stop right there. The
English gouuemans code. take II
from nay experience OF &c az home
here. allows you 20 say anything you
please 90 me or about me. but you will
please leave my friends out OF the
discussion"
There is one friend that shall
bring IN the discussion"
And who Is that?"
"Strathgate."
And what has he done?"
what has be done2 Ny Cod"
gasped my lord. choking with rage.
He has always treated me like a
gentleman returned Ellen. but per
haps that's because he's not married
20 me"
You should know his reputation
among women. or his lack OF IT," pro
tested Darlington.
Why. then. did you invite him
here?' returned Ellen deity And
as for actions among women. there be
some Indifferent honest men who are
. not above suspicion. Know you ans
such, my lord?"
What mean your"
Il saw You in the arbor an hour
since!"
What Spying again?"
Spying again? You had Lady Ce
oily in your arms. you kissed her"
And II I did,"
Il did not marry you for that"
went on Ellen in jealous rage The
way she has thrown herself at you
is disgraceful. but. my lord. you have
made Il easy for her"
There is naught between me and
Lady Cecily"
But / tell you" cried Ellen. q
| don't believe a word you say, for
saw you in that arbor. / have seen
you before with that hussy. / wish
TO God that ! were dead and that you
could marry her and see what a bar
gain you would get. not that mar
rage would make any difference tc
her, / fancy"
You insult my friends" cried Car
rington. trying to give the converse
ton a different turn.
IL only follow your lead, my lord. d
Il know who brought you to the
arbor"
The earl OF Strathgate," replied
4