The Lamar register., 1908-07-29
CHAPTER discontinued

gan Ldus ScCIly Will CoNtll Ill
voice and manner. that you did not
approve of the-er-wicked little
pasteboards."
II 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 fiatter me, dear Lady CARING
ton." he murmured. with a knowing
glance that made Darlington 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 a 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.
Put you promised" said Deborah
artlessly. turning to that gallant young
soldier, ito show me that rare old edi-
ton 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.
commissioning his look of dismay at
the sneers and laughter of the COM
,,,,Il haIt
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.
'On second thought. Lord Strath-
GATE returned Ellen. Il don't believe
feel equal to learning new game"
Have your religious scruples re-
turned. Lady Darlington" exclaimed
Lady Cecily. insinuatingly, '.or are you
afraid of losing money!"
81 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. | 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? VIII
you. duchess. or you. General Athel-
strong?'
eff you make 1t so. my dear lady"
began the general
Admiral, l know you don't play"
interrupted Ellen. disdaining the little
man and his little stake. so there
only remains" She looked at the
other two men.
Strathgate stepped CALAMITY into
the breach.
II have not the honor of being your
husband, Lady Carrington-,'unfortu
land will cut the cards with you for
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"
81 shall stand by you Darlington
said to his wife, with your permits
mission, and see fair play
by God. sir!" cried strathgate.
springing to his feet. does that
mean"
ut means nothing but that a hus-
bands place is by his wife's side when
she ventures fortune. reputation or
honor" returned my lord. very high
and mighty.
Madam" said Strathgate present
ing the pack. will you cut first?"
Ellen lifted the top card.
THE four of hearts," she exclaimed.
1.-The three of spades said Strath-
gate turning 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, 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 for
$4,000"
81 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 foand
Ill Al