Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-09-14
BY
George
Hibbdrd

Grosvenors game. Evidently Carson had been back
ing poor hand, poor that he PLAYED it in
manner beyond reproach heavy loss which Ether
jdge would be involved must be inevitable To him the
amount would be nothing, while to Etherdge
as Carson knew, the might easily be lis whole
fortune.
Not sound to be heard IN the room as the play
went on. Perpexty and curiosity added to the
interest already created by the vigorous doubling Men
bent forward card after card fell on the table and
trick after trick drawn in by the -cstac Grosvenor
With the turning last trick he looked about trium
phantly
Grand SIAM" he said. II thought, Carson that you
too bold that time"
Il think I've had enough said Carson, rising That's
your rubber. Add up. Tommy. What's the total?'
"Fortysix thousand five hundred and fifty points,"
Ward stammered presently.
-Four thousand five hundred and fftytwo dollars and
twenty cents observed Carson, careessly I'll give
you check at once, Grosvenor."
In the face of the sudden misfortune, Etheridge
able to feel momenary amusement he caught sight
OF Tommy Wards distressed countenunce.
"Il pay you, Tommy he said he also stood up
and moved away He had hardly gone through the door
when he felt hand his shoulder
Il don't know how it happened" pleaded Ward. Il
astonished in my life l can't accept il.
You mustn't pay it. Such sum between is absurd"
you're absurd and talking nonsense, Tommy"
piled Etherdge, gently. If l had won you know that
you would have expected to pay and would have in
sisted doing it."
81 suppose so," Ward admitted, reluctantly.
Every WE'LL" Ethcrdge answered Il shall pay You.
Only Tommy, must ask you to give little time"
"All the time You want" returned Ward, entreatingly
One other took place that night when Carson
CHANGED to meet the important guest who power
full that he always spoke his mind directly upon all
casons lie stopped Carson he passing him on
the landing of the great staircase leading from the hail.
and addressed him deliberately.
"Oh by the way"
"Ye replied Carson, greatly pleased with the notice
Il wish particularly to request that in future you will
forget that You know and will carefully refrain from
recognizing all occasions"
During the following morning all occasions and in
many corners, excited conferences were held by Mrs.
Puney's guests. Etheridge had departed by early
Grain Margaret Lane had not yet appeared. Carson,
with greater jovalty than usual received with dis
tinct coldness.
Late in the morning Mrs. Pultney in state of agita
ton, sought Latham.
Il don't in the least understand" she declared Mar
garet Lane has gone walked the park with her
maid carrying bag, and departed by the train,
absolutely without saying goodbye but just leaving a
note telling that she had not a moment to lose and
would explain later"
Miss Lane-haS gomez! exclaimed carson, stepping
forward
"Yes, Mr. Carson" replied Mrs. Pultney, grimly.
"I-I believe he continued with attempted lighness,
that shall have go up myself this afternoon, soon,
as quickly as my chauffeur bring out my motor
"If two of my guests CO." responded Mrs. Putney,
slowly. Il can't be surprised if you CO. too"
Which cnignatcal speech always appeared TO hold
a cryptic meaning for Mrs Pultney, since she often
quoted it afterwards with much manifest enjoyment and
pride
That same afternoon IN ohice-a small one-ar
architects Office a young walking backws I'd
and forward in the restricted space allowed by drawing
tables and desks The heavy afternoon sky visible
through the window and desoate desert Of roofs and
towers steepe with the streets and the life in then
hidden from sight The young mans face was over
cast the heavens; his prospects apparently cheer
less the outlook
The telephone tangled Lstlessy he took down th'
receiver.
"Youl"
The usual telephone pause foowcd-a short one.
"Whcre your" he demanded.
Ha bent forward intently
"Ir the next block! he exclaimed. "Of course ther
is no one here. You coming at once"
He drew away from the instrument and started To-
the door, Rejecting that he did not know in whicl
direction TO proceed should he rush forth into the street
he waitcd-wated feyerishly, incredulously. Within
five minutes he beheld figure Fastening down the hal
which visible through the open portal