Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-03-28
CHAPTER ~.
10 PIsys a Game.

Ellen Plays a Game.
The greater climax came the night
after. Lady Ellen had declined 10 ride
that day. She had business at home
as the chatolaine. Consequently. no
mishap had occurred during the day
light Lord Strathgate had pleaded in
disposition and had remained at the
castle also. Indifferent apparently 20
the black looks of his host as ne rode
away by the side OF Lady Cecily. Mis-
tress Debbie. who made not the faint
est prctense OF being interested in
hounds. and who indeed cherished a
growing sympathy for the fox. had
also refused 90 ride in chase Of Master
Reynard. Sir Charles Seton had made
an Intellectual effort 90 do likewise
only 20 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 drawineroom. Every body was in
bad humor. Strathgate. because he
had not been able TO get word alone
with HIS hostess; Darlington because
Suathgate had been all day az home
while he was abroad: Lady Cecily be
cause she had been unable 90 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 10 eat aud drink. their hostess
scruples had prevented play; General
| Athelstrong FOR the same reason. and
| Admiral Kephard because he saw
everybody playing az cross purposes.
Debbie was wretched because her Sc
ton had be.An appropriated 10 another.
| The only serene one apparently was
Lady Ellen. When the men Joined the
women IN Vic drawingroom after the
late supper. Il was she herself who
proposed cards.
but I 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 20 follow my lady's
lead
You fatter me- dear Lady Caring
ton" he murmured. with a knowing
glance that made Darlington want 70
XIII him then and there.
Fore Cad" said the duke. I never
knew that Strathgate could CONVEX,
anything"
There are no limits to his powers
OF depravity." said Mrs. Monbrant
lightly.
Madam. II I were fattered before
I am overwhelmed now" returned the
earl. bowling gravely.
ITO be so approved by the voice OF
authority is enough to turn even LORD
Strathgate's head" commented Ellen
quickly
Hal hai" cackled General AtheI
strong. softly. she had her there"
why all this talk that means moth
ing" said the duchess; so long a.
Lady Darlington permits play. we ar,
wasting time. Darlington. you have
cards?"
Plenty" calculated my lord. fierce
ly. turning TO cabinet and bringing
out several packs still in their wrar
pers
"Egad," chuckled Athelstrong, "yol
were prepared for your wifes CONVEX
sion. were your"
Certainly" returned Carringtol
through his teeth. When Strathgat
applied himself TO the task at whicl
/ had failed, knew that he would sue
coed. Having marked the course O
events, ] sent 20 town for the card
and they are here"
Ellen, whispered Debbie. you ar
not going TO let them play are you?
I'm going TO play myself" returne
Ellen recklessly In a loud. clear voice
But, my dear Lady Darlington, 20
|. don't know one card from another,
expostulated the admiral who had oil
served with d;smay the course {
events
"Sir Charles Seton will teach me,
returned Ellen. quickly.
, with pleasure, your ladyship." sal
Sir Charles.
But YOU promised" said Debora
artlessly, tuning 70 that gallant youn
soldier. to show me that rare old ed
ton Of Richard Baxter in the library
Baxter. The Saints Rest" snicl
cred Athelstrong. Good Lord. she
got him there"
1T doesn't make the least bit OF di
|, ference. Sir Charles" began Ellel
: eommiseraung his look of dismay {
the sneers and laughter OF the con
pany. Il know you would help me
you could. but Miss Slocum has tn
I prior claim and someone else wi
e teach me-"
Il will take upon myself that hol
or interrupted Stra;heate quickly.
Il couldn't have a better instructor
No, you couldn't" grumbled I'll
duchess. but I fear me he will prov
a costly one"