Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-03-27

placed, just following the revolution, IN
harrington castle In England The Car.
ilnstons, after Q house party, engaged
IN family tilt, caused by jealousy.
CHAPTER u.-Lord Darlington and
his wife each made charges of faithless-
ness against the other in continuation OF
the quarrel.
CHAPTER III.
Ellen Plays a Game.
The greater climax came the night
after. Lady Ellen had declined to ride
that day. She had business at home
as the chatelaine. Consequently, no
mishap had occurred during the day.
light. Lord Strathgate had pleaded in.
disposition and had remained at the
castle also, Indifferent apparently to
the black looks Of his host as he rode
away by the side Of Lady Cecily. Mis-
tress Debbie, who made not the faint.
est pretense Of being interested in
hounds, and who indeed cherished q
growing sympathy for the fox, had
also refused to ride in chase of Master
Reynard. Sir Charles Seton had made
an Intellectual effort to do likewise,
only to be carried off by his host al
most by violence and allotted to Mrs.
Monbrant for the days sport.
Evening found the party assembled
In the drawingroom. Everybody was in
q bad humor Strathgate, because he
had not been able to get word alone
with his hostess; Darlington because
Strathgate had been all day at home
while he was abroad; Lady Cecily be-
cause she had been unable to chase
the frowns from her hosts brow;
Mrs. Monbrant, because Sir Charles
Seton had shown himself distraught
and Indifferent cavalier, and the duke
and duchess because while they had
plenty to eat and drink, their hostess
scruples had prevented play; General
Athelstrong for the same reason, and
Admiral Kephard because he saw
everybody playing at cross purposes.
Debbie was wretched because her Sc
ton had been appropriated to another.
The only serene one apparently was
Lady Ellen. When the men Joined the
women in the drawingroom after the
late supper, 1t was she herself who
proposed cards.
But 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 to follow my lady's
lead.
You fatter me, dear Lady Caring
ton, ne murmured, with a knowing
glance that made Darlington want to
kill him then and there.
Fore Cad" said the duke, 81 never
knew that Strathgate could convert
anything"
There are no limits to his powers
Of depravity," said Mrs. Monbrant
lightly.
Madam, if were flattered before,
/ am overwhelmed now" returned the
earl, bowling gravely.
TO be so approved by the voice of
authority is enough to turn even Lord
Strathgate's head" commented Ellen,
quickly.
"Ha! hal" cackled General Athel.
strong, softly, she had her there"
why all this talk that means moth.
Ing" said the duchess; so long as
Lady Darlington permits play, we are
wasting time. Darlington, you have
cards."
Plenty" calculated my lord, fierce.
y. turning to q cabinet and bringing
81 several packs still in their wraD.
1@s.
Egad!" chuciled Athelstrong. won
we're prepared for your wife's CONVEX.
sion, were your
certainly" returned Carringtou
through his teeth. When Strathgat.
applied himself to the task at which
mad failed, l knew that he would sue.
ceed. having marked the course of
events, | sent to town for the cards
and they are here"
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 4"
expostulated the admiral who had oh.
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.
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 bis look Of dismay at
the sneers and laughter Of the com.
pany. II know you would help me II