Willmar tribune., 1908-07-29

glance tnat made CarrlngtOn want to
kill him then and there
Ellen" whispered Debbie, ''you are
not going to let them play, are you?"
I'm going to play myself" returned
Ellen recklessly in loud, clear voice.
But, my dear Lady Darlington, you
don't know one card from another"
expostulated the admiral who had OBJ.
served with dismay the course of
events.
"Sir Charles Seton will teach me-
returned Ellen, quickly.
with pleasure, your ladyship," said
Sir Charles.
But you promised said Deborah
artlessly, turning to that gallant young
soldier, ITO show me that rare old edi.
tion of Richard Baxter in the library -
Baxter, the Saints Rest" snick.
cred Athelstrong. Good Lord, she's
got him there"
1T doesn't make the least bit of diff.
ference, Sir Charles" began Ellen,
| commiserating his look of dismay at
the sneers and laughter of the com.
pany. Il know you would help me ii
you could, but Miss Slocum has the
prior claim and someone else will
teach me-"
Il will take upon myself that hon
or interrupted Strathgate quickly.
"Sir Charles, will you take me to
the library?" now interposed the
shocked and scandalized little Puri-
tan.
Lady Darlington, your instruction
awaits you," said the earl, bowling.
ION second thought, Lord Strath-
gate," returned Ellen, Il don't believe
I feel equal TO learning a new game
Have your religious scruples re.
turned, Lady Darlington" exclaimed
Lady Cecily, insinuatingly, cor are you
afraid of losing money!"
II will cut the cards with you, Lady
Cecily, or you, Mrs. Monbrant, this
instant for thousand pounds and
then we will see which of us is
afraid" returned Ellen with wonderful
composure.
"You are mad" began Darlington,
as the two ladies addressed shrank
back in dismay.
Your pardon, my lord, I am ad.
dressing your friends, not you. Do
either of you ladies take me? No? Is
there anyone then who wishes to
tempt fortune in this way? You only
play for money and not for the game
understand. Duke, will you cut me
for a thousand pounds? No? Will
you, duchess, or you, General Athel
| strong?"
IF you make it so, my dear lady,
began the general.
Admiral, I know you don't play,
interrupted Ellen, disdaining the little
man and his little stake. 80 there
only remains" She looked at the
other two men.
Strathgate stepped gallantly into
the breach.
II have not the honor of being your
husband, Lady unfortu
nately,'" he added under his breath
"and will cut the cards with you fol-
any sum of money-or anything else
"Done!" cries the lady, "the highest
card takes the thousand pounds.
shall have to depend on you gentle
men to tell me which is high, if
have won.''
Il shall stand by you," Carringtor
said to his wife, with your permis
mission, and see fair play"
"By God, sir!" cried Strathgate
springing to his feet, "does thai
mean-?''
1T means nothing but that hus
bands place is by his wife's side whe1
she ventures fortune, reputation or
honor" returned my lord, very high
and mighty.
Madam" said Strathgate present
ing the pack, Twill you cut f1rst?"
Ellen lifted the top card.
"The four of hearts," she exclaimed
"The three of Spades" said Strath
gate, turning a card. "The Thousand
pounds is yours and am the richer
in your triumph, madam he added
bowling gracefully.
Two thousand pounds against twt
Of yours, for another cut, my lord,
said Ellen.
"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.
"Once more, and this time 70,
s3.000."
Il cannot disoblige 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 shoul
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 fount
herself $4,000 In his debt.
z 4