The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-03-14

s~trathgate smoothly. but hearts is
the ladies' suit"
and mems pursuit" laughed FL
len merrily. Try your fortune, my
lord"
THE three Of spades" said strath-
gate. turning a card, The thousand
pounds is yours and I am the richer
in your triumph. madam" he added.
bowing gracefully.
Two thousand pounds against two
Of yours, for another cut, my lord"
said Ellen.
AT your pleasure, madam re-
turned the earl, who was as reckless
and y%enturesome a gambler as ever
entered the game.
"The knave of hearts," said Ellen,
turning her card.
''The unmannerly ace OF clubs takes
in custody your knave." returned
Strathgate after making his cut.
and how stand we now, my lord?"
Il have won a thousand pounds to
my misfortune" returned Strath-
gate.
Once more, and this time for
$4,000"
Il cannot disoblige a lady" returned
Strathgate smiling, although his face
was growing somewhat pale. Surely
this was play such as he had never
ventured upon.
ELLEN, stop!" cried Darlington,
dropping his hand upon her Shout
der.
MY lord. you hurt my shoulder,
Thank you" she added as he removed
his hand.
The cards were cut again, and once
more Strathgate won Ellen found
herself $4,000 in his debt.
my lady" said Old Admiral KEEP
hard, you have shown your pluck
and courage. God forbid that any
here should ever dispute it. Have you
zStt 11cGs enough scT the hoaor es
America and your house nova?
Il like the game" returned Ellen
calmly. 1T interests me. Had l
known the fascination Of 1t before, I
had played long since. Unless my
lord Strathgate is weary"
Madam. ! could play with you for
ever for any stake" returned Strath-
gate, utterly oblivious Of the frightful
glance shot at him by Darlington.
"'Tis $4,000 then. Would you see
1t on the board?"
your word is sufficient for me" re-
piled Strathgate gravely.
Again Ellen lost and found herself
in debt $4,000.
Five thousand pounds the stake
now" cried my lady, cutting once
more.
Five thousand pounds, madam
said strathgate, very white and follow
ing suit.
And this time Ellen won.
How stands the score now"
you owe me $1,000" said strath-
gate.
@Correct!" cried the old duke. by
Cad, this is Interestingly"
Once more and now for $4,000
pounds" said Ellen, her face flushed
with excitement.
The was now as still as death.
Save for the deep breathing of the
men and the gritting of teeth upon
the part of Darlington, there was not
a sound except for the voices Of the
two players.
Ellen's luck was with her and this
time she won.
"And now" she said. 'the score is
In my favor"
yes, madam, for $4,000"
do you wish to quit now, my lordT'
Never" said the earl. Il will play
with you to the extent Of my fortune
Il don't promise to go that far at
this round" answered Ellen. I'm
new at the game, and l do not wish to
play out my whole fortune at the first
trial."
"As you please, madam. The game
shall Sop when you say. What shall
the wager be now7"
Seven thousand pounds" cried
Ellen.
And this time fortune was against
her. for my lord Of Strathgate won
"'Fore God, the score weaves like
a see-saw," cried Gen. Athelstrong.
Nov she owes him $4,000"
Ellen" said Darlington. desperate.
", Il beg you to stop now"
rs Lord Darlington afraid his wife
viii lose all her money!" deity inter
posed Strathgate, sneering.
Lord s~trathgate," said Ellen
quickly, "conine your attention to me
You play with me, not my husband
Stand back, Darlington" she went on
holly to her husband, choking with
rage at the double insult in his guests
question. You tainted me as a Purl-
tan and a Quaker, and you have all
jeered and mocked at me. I'll show
you that | can play and lose or win
with the best Of YOU"
Back and forth the wagers went
with varying fortune between the two
until after half an hours fierce and
uninterrupted play Ellen found herself
in strathgate's debt for 100000, 50
easily is money lost upon the turning
OF a card.