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

situation.
Immediately. immediately" began
the duke, lingering the pasteboards.
Shall you and be partners. Car
rington?" Queried Lady Cecily sweet
".
IT'S a most admirable arrange
ment." said Ellen.
Il agree with YOU. madam. There
you honor me-" returned Darlington.
And tbs so unfortunate that the
partnership shall be OF so short dura-
ton" continued my lady.
"One never knows" laughed Lady
, Cecily airily. how long a game lasts
or what the result until it is played 70
the end"
Mrs. Monbrant." interrupted Gen
eral Athelstrong. you have unfortu-
nately fallen 10 me"
Are you a good player. general?"
asked the widow brightly. That's
really the important thing in a game
for money. You allow us to play for
money. Lady Carrington?"
II urge a upon YOU returned Ellen
cooIly.
"Sir Charles. viii you take me 10
the library" now intorposed the
shocked and scandalized little Puri-
tan.
You will forgive me. Lady Caring
ton?" said Sir Charles with another
vivid blush. turning 10 his hostess.
amid the general mockery
Il am glad 10 see you go. Sir Charles"
returned Ellen. There are other
books I'm the library OF a similar char
acter which YOU TWO will enjoy look
ing at. are there not Carrington?"
II suppose there are. madam, al
| though / have never read them"
1T would doubtless improve your
morals II YOU should" returned Lady
Ellen swiftly
He, he" exclaimed General Athel-
strong. my lady's In fine wit to-
night"
And by Cad. your manners too"
| growled the duke. but come. let US
play"
Lady Darlington. your instruction
awaits YOU" said the earl. bowling
"On second thought Lord Strath-
gate" returned Ellen. Il don't believe
/ feel equal 20 learning a new game"
! Have your religious scruples re-
turned. Lady Darlington" exclaimed
Lady Cecily, insinuatingly. "or are you
| afraid OF losing money!"
MY dear child" began Mrs. Mon
brant supercilously.
Il viii cut the cards with you, Lady
| Cecily. or you. Mrs Monbraut. this
instant for a 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, l am ad-
dressing your friends, not you. Do
either OF YOU ladies' take me? No? Is
! there anyone then who wishes 10
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? Nor VIII
you. duchess. or you, General Athel
strong"
IF you make it 80. my dear lady"
began the general
Admiral, I 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.
Il am not yet fool enough to gam
Bile with my own wife," said Caring
ton bitterly.
Strathgate stepped CALAMITY into
the breach.
Il have not the honor OF being your
husband, Lady unfortu
nately.'" he added under his breath
, "and / viii cut the cards with you fol
any sum of money-or anything else
'Donei" cries the lady. the highest
, card takes the thousand pounds.
shall have TO depend on you gentle
men 10 tell me which is high. If
have won"
, You may trust to my honor fol
, that. madam" said Strathgate.
As Ellen spoke, she seated hersel
at table The others left their place.
and crowded around. Here was pla,
such as they had read about but hac
, not witnessed or participated in.
Ellen" said Darlington. suddenly
you shall not do this thing. Ii ii
madness"
Must ! remind my husband that
play with my own money!" answere,
Ellen viciously.
That remark was received in deaS
silence. broken presently by a sheer
, ing laugh from Lady Cecily which
cut through Darlington like a knife
His clenched hand went into his hos
ON, but by a violent effort he mas
| tered himself
Il shall stand by YOU" he said to hi
: wife, with your permission, and Sc
fair play"
by God. sirl" cried Strathgate
Z springing to his feet, does tina
q mean"
D. at means nothing but that a hu.
bands place is by his wifes side whe
: she ventures fortune, reputation or
honor" returned my lord, very hig
. and mighty.
e "Perchance we may play anothe
o game when this is ended. Darlington,
said Strathgate fercely.