The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-03-14
CHAPTER III.
Ellen Plays q Game.

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that day. She had business at home
as the chatelaine. Consequently, no
mishap had occurred during the day
light. Lord strathgate had pleaded in
disposition and had remained at the
castle also, Indifferent apparently to
the black looks OF his host as he rode
away by the side Of Lady Cecily. Mis-
tress Debbie. who made not the faint
est pretense of being interested in
hounds. and who indeed cherished a
growing sympathy for the fox, had
also refused to ride in chase Of Master
Reynard. Sir Charles Seton had made
an Intellectual effort to do likewise,
only to be carried of by his host al
most by violence and allotted to Mrs.
Monbrant for the days sport.
Evening found the party assembled
in the drawingroom. Everybody was in
a bad humor. Strathgate, because he
had not been able to get a word alone
with HIS hostess; Darlington because
Strathgate had been all day at home
while he was abroad; Lady Cecily be-
cause she had been unable to chase
the frowns from her hosts brow;
Mrs. Monbrant, because Sir Charles
Seton had shown himself a distraught
and Indifferent cavalier, and the duke
and duchess because while they had
plenty to eat and drink, their hostess
scruples had prevented play; General
Athelstrong for the same reason, and
Admiral Kephard because he saw
everybody playing at cross purposes.
Debbie was wretched because her Sc
ton had been appropriated to another.
The only serene one apparently was
Lady Ellen. When the men Joined the
women In the drawingroom after the
late supper. 1t was she herself who
proposed cards.
But l thought, my dear child" be-
gan Lady Cecily with covert malice in
voice and manner, that you did not
approve Of the-er-wicked little
pasteboards."
Il have been converted by"-Ellen
looked around-'by Lord Strathgate's
arguments this afternoon"
Lord ~Strathgate had not made any
arguments that afternoon. but he was
too clever not to follow my lady's
lead.
you fatter me. dear Lady Caring
ton" he murmured, with a knowing
glance that made Darlington want to
kill him then and there.
Fore Cad" said the duke. Il never
knew that s~trathgate could convert
anything"
There are no limits to his powers
OF depravity." said Mrs. Monbrant,
lightly.
Madam. II ! were dattered before,
I am overwhelmed now" returned the
earl, bowling graveIy.
ITO be so approved BY the voice OF
authority Is enough to turn ever Lord
S~trathgate's head" commented Ellen,
quickly.
Hal hal" cackled General Athei-
strong, softly, she had her there"
why all this talk that means moth
ing said the duchess; 80 long as
Lady Darlington permits play. we are
wasting time. Darlington. you have
cards7"
Plenty calculated my lord, fierce.
". turning TO q cabinet and bringing
out several packs still in their wrap
pers.
"EgadT" chuckled Athelstrong, you
we're prepared for your wife's CONVEX
sion, were your"
Certainly" returned Darlington
through his teeth. when strathgate
applied himself to the task It which
/ had failed. / knew that be would sue
coed. Having marked the course Of
events, ! sent to town for the cards
and they are here
Ellen" whispered Debbie, you are
not going 10 let them play, are your
I'm going to play myself" returned
Ellen recklessly in a loud, clear voice.
but, my dear Lady Darlington, You
don't know one card from another"
expostuiated the admiral who had OBJ
served with dismay the course Of
events.
4sir Charles Seton win teach me"
returned Ellen, quickly.
with pleasure. your ladyship," said
Sir Charles.
But you promised" said Deborah
artiessly, turning to that gallant young
soldier, TO show me that r old edi-
ton Of Richard Baxter in the library"
Baxter the Saints Restl" snick-
cred Athelstrong. Good LORD, she's
got him there"
IT doesn't make the least bit OF diff
ference, sir Charles. began Ellen.
commiserating his look OF dismay at
the sheer and laughtes Of the com
pany. 7 know gou would help me /.
you could, bit Miss slocum has III.
prior claim and someone else vii.
teach me"
a Will take upon myself that hon.
or" interrupted stralhgate quickly.
= couldn't hAye b better instructor
eNo, you couldn't srumbled the
duchess, "but ! fear me he win prove
q costly one"
Shall We plny3 Numbered Car
rington, almost beslde himself b the
situation.