Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-03-28

duchess promptly interfering TO pre-
vent the imminent outbreak. "and
let's have the game"
Madam" said Strathgate present
ing the pack. will you cut first?"
Ellen lifted the top card.
The four OF hearts" she exclaimed.
"'Tis a low card. madam" said
Strathgate 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 / am the richer
In your triumph, madam" he added.
bowling gracefully.
Two thousand pounds against two
OF yours, for another cut, nay lord"
said Ellen.
cat your pleasure, madam" re-
turned the earl, who was as reckless
and venturesome 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 disobige 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.
his hand.
The cards were cut again. and once
more Srathgate 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
not done enough for the honor Of
America and your house now7"
Il like the game" returned Ellen
calmly. 1T interests me. Had
known the fascination OF II 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 Obvious OF the frightful
glance shot at him by Darlington.
IT'S $4,000 then Would you see
II on the board?"
Your word is sun cient 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 now2"
You owe me $4,000" 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 room 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.
Ellens luck was with her aud this
time she won.
And now" she said. the score is
In my favor"
"Yes. madam, for $4,000"
do you wish 20 quit now, my lord p
Never" said the earl. Il will play
with you 20 the extent Of my fortune
Il don't promise 10 go that far al
this round" answered Ellen. Tn
new at the game. and l do not wish q
play cut nay whole fortune at the frs
trial"
las you please. madam. The gam'
shall stop when you say. What shall
the wager be now?"
Seven thousand pounds" crieC
Ellen.
And this time fortune was agains
her, for my lord OF Strathgate won.
Fore God, the score weaves Ike
a see-saw," cried Gen. Athelstrong
Now she owes him $4,000"
ELLEN" said Darlington, desperate
ly, Il beg you TO stop now"
rs Lord Darlington afraid his wifi
viii lose all her money!" deity inter
posed Strathgate, sneering.
Lord Strathgate," said Ellei
quickly. "conine your attention TO ne
You play with me. not my husband
Stand back. Darlington" she went Of
hotly to her husband. choking wit
rage at the double insult in his guest
question. You tainted me as Pur
tan and a Quaker, and you have a.
| ieered and Knocked at me. I'll shoN
you that can play and lose or wi
with the best of you"
Back and forth me wagers wen
with varying fortune between the tw
until after half an hours fierce an
uninterrupted play Ellen found hersel
IN Strathgate's debt for 100000, S
easily is money lost upon the turnin
OF a card.