Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-04-10
CHAPTER v.
A Midnight Conversation,

aSo'S SdoblC.
CHAPTER v.
A Midnight Conversation.
Once more the little boudoir. Once
more Ellen and Bernard alone to-
gether.
WELL madam" began Darlington,
coldly, under violent constraint, al.
though passion was seething and bub-
bling in his veins, do you think that
you have disgraced me sufficiently to-
night?"
He stood opposite her with folded
arms, looking very tall and splendid
Ellen, acknowledged in her secret
heart. She sat beneath him, her feet
extended in an attitude of absolute
indifference. maintained also BY
strong constraint.
"Disgraced you, my lord2"
- That is the word l used"
Il scarcely understand what you
mean"
e, '"You know very well what l mean,
madam"
But L was only obeying your in.
Structions,"
my instructions!" exclaimed nv
Ord; "and pray what were they?
ITO be like other women; to dance,
to play, to"
You exceeded them, I think" in.
corrupted Darlington, sneeringly.
In what Particular"
I'm playing at love-making with
other men,"
i but followed the example of my
mentor" Ellen retorted promptly.
You will learn, madam" said Car.
nngton, when you are more familiar
With the usage of polite society"
May God deliver me from it," in.
terposed Ellen.
My lord went on without noticing
her remark.
That many things are permitted to
Q man, to husband, which are for
Did to woman, his wife"
! recognize no distinction between
rs. sir"
; That may be your American hob
bledehoy code, madam; but It's not
that Of England and England's gentle.
men and gentlewomen."
And who are Englands gentlewom.
en.%s quoth Ellen, hotly, whose con.
duct you would have me emulate
Lady Cecily, Mrs. Monbrant, the
duchess?" =
This, said my lord, loftily, rs be.
Side the question. What possessed
you to play with Strathgate tonight ~
The money" returned his wife.
was mine. had a right to risk Il
J. might ask what possessed you to
play?"s
And might answer with your own
words. Darlington hall was mine"
Yes" said Ellen, but made Of
value by my money"
"Pefdition!" cried her. husband.
must have your money thrown IN
my face forever"
1 hardly think l can throw It In
your face again, my lord"
And what will prevent you?"
The fact that you have won I,
: and It's yours"
Nonsense" said Darlington, fierce.
ely. 81 know well enough that Won,
game with strathgate was only plav.
1t was simply plan concocted he.
tween you to mock me and amusa
yourselves"
MY lord, you insult me-" cried FL.
len, her face flaming.
1T is fact that carries the inault
madam, l make the charge on FOOD
authority You were overheard ar.
ranging the Details" persisted INV
lord. carried beyond the facts BY his
Indignation.
o Upon whose authority?" inou,r.a
Ellen. .
Lady Cecily's."
And you can take her word a..ins,
g mine?'e responded his wife, bitterly
Very well, my lord, l shall not con.
descend to justify myself further"
"Twould be useless to attempt It
Indeed, and what made you risk
your castle in a matter in which moth.
ing was involved?".
Pardon me-" returned Carrinrton
loftily. sThere was something. In.
volveds something of which you reck
little"
And that was?". .s.s r
my honor and the honor Of nv
wife. At that time l supposed the
debit an hbnest one, the play fair
Think you'll could allow that to stand
against you whih ! had q pennyr'