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

In thorough repair. It's worth double
your stake"
In thorough repair" unused Strath-
gate looking about "ay. since your
marriage"
Since my marriage" returned Car
rington, flushing under the insult
Good. ! take you" said Strathgate.
what shall It be?"
Wen. cut the cards as before"
once or thrice?"
"One time IL shall be nay last
temptation Of fortune" he added
recklessly.
Wen said" returned Strathgate,
sneeringly, when 1t is lost you lose
your all"
Ellen stepped forward impulsiVely
as II TO interrupt. and then stopped;
nay lord was speaking.
Nay. my lord" said Carrington.
bowling. Il shall have one thing left.
which possibly does not enter into
your calculations"
Ellen stepped expectant Was he
going 70 say my wfe?"
No. the words came from him
coouy.
my honor!"
And disappointed Ellen was glad she
had waited
Much good may Il do you, when all
else IS lost" Quavered the duchess.
win you cut hrst?" asked Strath-
gate indinerently. extending the deck.
Admiral. viii you shuttle the
cards?" answered Darlington. taking
the pack from the other and handing
II 10 the old sailor.
My boy" interposed the admiral.
you We're a midshipman with me,
and / may therefore presume 70 ad-
wise you. Think what you do. Enough
has been lost tonight Don't stake"
Would Lord Darlington take ref
use in the commands OF his superior
oiticer?' again asked Strathgate. an
evil smile on his handsome face
Enough" bluntly replied the old
admiral, you cannot retire now"
Nor have l the slightest wish to do
| so" returned Darlington promptly.
| although / thank you for your in
| terest. Lord Strathgate-" he prof
fered him the cards-"it is at the de-
cision OF fortune whether you remain
| my guest OF / am yours"
! Strathgate drew card, looked at il.
smiled. and laid it face downward
upon the table. An expression Of in
tense satisfaction spread over his
face.
| Darlington followed the others mo-
tons, grim and frowning. His face
aid not change as he drew his card
and laid it face downward upon the
| table
Uncover your cards. gentlemen"
said the duke.
| Watt" cried Strathgate Il have
another wager TO propose Twenty
thousand pounds with any man that
! win"
He looked from one to the other.
What, viii no one take meg"
Ellen stepped forward
Darlington faced her and struck his
hand upon the table.
This passes endurance. BY God,
you shall nOt-backi"
Ellen had never seen him in such
a passion before
Strathgate laughed consummately.
| Darlington, have no wish to ruin
you this way. ! give you the option
of Withdrawing from the wager. Save
your castle"
Turn up your card" cried Caring
ton, throwing the four OF clubs up
ward on the table.
Strathgate laughed a wicked laugh
without any merriment in it, but a
brave one. excellently well done.
Gentlemen" he said. Lord Car
rington is lucky at cards. Il have but
the three OF diamonds" He turned It
over. You win. my friend. Your
wifo's |. o. T. Is yours and confess
I'm glad OF it."
The bastard" growled Admiral
Kephard, soto voce.
why did you prefer such a wager
that you would win?" questioned the
duke.
1T was but my fancy" returned
Strathgate. Lord Darlington hath
been so lucky In his loves. thought
myself sure to win from him at cards .
j Madam" said Darlington. standing