Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-20
THE BULLETINS DAILY STORY
THE RAPACIOUS MRS. ASHE

I must see Mrs. Milward," and pushing bat k hec chair stepped on five women $ gowns in her eagerness to reach her.
 At that moment Mrs. Mllward looked up and perceived Mrs. Ashe hurryang in her direction. "Oh, Lord, girls, here comes Adele. You'll have to make room for her. She'll camp on us till we go home" and she sighed resigned ly.
 '-SAy, my dear, what is your score? Now don't say you've beaten mel shall be utterly heartbroken," breath- lessly.
 Mrs. MiIward's eyebrows and shoul- ders were raised tantahzingly.
 Really, my dear, l don't know. the girl counted it up for me: It's so very good that I couldn't survive the shock, should 1t be lower than yours why, I couldn't eat my refresh mentsl"
 well, mine's over nine hundredi Pretty good score, but I'll be sorry you don't win, dear" hypocritically added Mrs. Ashe.
 Come on, girls. let's get into the fracas. Mrs. Merriman is beginning to call off the scores," and with one ac- cord they arose and joined the circle which had gathered around the host css.
 Has anyone a higher score than nine hundred and twenty i've" Mrs. Merriman was saying.
 Nine hundred and twenty five" Mrs Ashe repeated in dismay, Why, I only have nine hundred and sixteen"
 Then continued Mrs. Merriman, T have the pleasure of according the first prize to Mrs. Milward on nine hundred and twenty-five"
 Good for you. dearl" Say, that's a beautiful how'll" My. but you are a. lucky woman!" were some of the comments, as Mrs. Willard came slow ly forward. She smiled at her hostess and laughingly reached out her hands and grasped the punch bowl.
 As her fingers touched the bowl Mrs. Ashe burst forward and exclaimed ner- vously, May I ask how Mrs. Milward got nine hundred and twenty five? There are no odd numbers in bridge"
 Mrs. Milward stepped back as though she had been struck. her proud smile completely effaced, and a dull red flush gan to tumble nervously with her score card. miserably conscious of the ar rested attention of hundred women.
 Why, that's sol I never thought of thatl Where did she get the odd num- Der ?' and one of the guests turned in- qHiringly toward the hostess.
 1t was a horrible moment for Chris LlU6 MtAMdAQs lu6 LEISE Ei6IGEs dS the shocked card players waited with bated breath for the pitiable victim of the unusual circumstance to expiate herself. Christine's mind was an ah- sOlute blank, and she was conscious of only one thought. an intense, fever ed wish to sink through the floor, to get away as expeditiously as possible from the inquiring. accusing eyes.
 Mrs. Merriman stepped forward, quickly.
 Never mind, dear, we'll have this strengthened very soon. Did you have anything added to your score which would make it uneven? Who played with you when you made one hundred and twenty-five, your second score 2"
 Mrs. Milward tried to speak, ehoked and shook her head. unable to articu- late.
 Are there any other odd scores in the room?"
 No one spoke or moved
 Well. I'm satisfied that your score is all right, my dear! Will you please choose your prize?' and Mrs. Merri- man spoke deliberately.
 No. no, don't want it," and Chris tine quickly found her feet and voice IT couldn't, thank you" and she turned toward Mrs. Ashe, there's the winner" she added. after a slight pause.
 Certainly not. the punch bowl is yours, Mrs. Willard, or would you pre- fer something else%'
 Just then someone rushed into the room, coat on arm, and claimed the of Mrs. Merriman My dear I've had a perfectly lovely time, but l must hurry. You know I live out of town. Why, what are you looking at?" as she saw Mrs. Merriman's eyes riv- eted on her score card, which was turned sc that the figures were visi- ble.
 Where did you get that uneven scorer she asked abruptly.
 Why, what's the matter? I got it when I played at table with three people and we added twenty-five"
 Yes; you played with me-" Mrs. almost shouted, and turned exultantly toward the crowd of wo- men. You see, I was so scared and stunned, having my count contested. that my mind refused to work, and couldn't say or think of anything. Yes, I'll take the punch bowl. and thank you 8 thousand times" lowing cordially to her hostess, and squeezing the hand of her unconscious ally.
 And the next fortunate player to choose prize did not do so from a score of nine hundred and sixteen the rapacious Mrs Ashe had disap- peared. BLANCHE THEODORE.