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

"Why All This Talk That Means
Nothing2"
teach me-
Il will take upon myself that hon.
or interrupted Strathgate quickly.
II couldn't have a better instructor"
mo, you couldn't" grumbled the
duchess, but / fear me he will prove
a costly one"
Shall We play?" Numbered Car.
rington, almost beside himself in the
situation.
Immediately, immediately" began
the duke. lingering the pasteboards.
Shall you and / be partners, Car
rington?" queried Lady Cecily sweet
ly.
"'Tis most admirable arrange
ment," said Ellen.
Il agree with you, madam. There
you honor me-" returned Darlington.
And It's 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 to
the end"
! Mrs. Monbrant," interrupted Gen.
eral Athelstrong, you haye unfortu-
nately fallen to 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?"
81 urge it upon you" returned Ellen
coolly.
"Sir Charles, will you take me to
the library?" now interposed the
/ shocked and scandalized little Puri-
tan.
You will forgive me, Lady Caring
TOM" said Sir Charles with another
vivid blush, turning to his hostess.
amid the general mockery.
I'll am glad to see you go, Sir Charles"
returned Ellen. There are other
+! books in the, library of similar char.
acter which you two will enjoy look
ing at, are there not, Carrington?
Il suppose there are, madam, al
though | have never read them"
1T would doubtless improve your
morals If 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, 81 don't believe
feel equal to 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 superciliously.
! Il 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, l 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 Aths,
strong?"
III you make II 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.
i am not yet fool enough to gam.
bic with my own wife" said Carring.
ton bitterly.
Strathgats stepped CALAMITY into
the breach.
i have not the honor Of being your
husband. Lady Carrington-'untortu.
nately,'" he added under his breath
and l will cut the cards with you "a,
any sum OF money-or anything else"
"Done!" cries the lady, the highest
card takes the thousand mounds. I