Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
5 articles on this Page
Hide Articles List
5 articles on this Page
; [KOAV FillST PUBLISHED.]…
News
Cite
Share
[KOAV FillST PUBLISHED.] CHILDREN OF DARK- NESS. e A ROMANCE OF MINING LIFE. pi By J. MONK FOSTER, jktl'hor of "A Miner's Million," Slaves of FaU, "A Pit Brow Lassie," A Prophet of the Mines, "Passion's Aftermath," "The Black Mow Mystery," Queen of the Factory," Ninetiertii Century Tragedy," &c., &c. (AIJL RIGHTS RESERVED, CHAPTER XXXIIJ. FORGING THE CHAIN. John Denton did not forget the promise he had made to Reuben Calvert, nor did he permit many days to pass without taking in hand the task he had set himself. For a time John was at a loas to understand how he was to obtain possession of the aesired information respecting Diok Orrell. iThe Governor of Kirkdale Gaol, where Orrell had been last imprisoned, was hardly likely to furnish John with a minute description of Dick even if he asked him to do so. To only some persons of high standing, or One in authority, would such information be supplied. To a man who had himself been in durance vile, as Denton had been, no chance of inspecting the books of the prison would be given. But one day John discovered a way out of his difficulty. Chance tthrew him against a justice of the peace for Luxbury, whom he tecogtiised as an old acquaintance on the tem- perance platform in days gone by. Denton ventured to speak to the magistrate, who remembered him at once, and they had a long chat together. Mr. Welford—the J.P. in questIon-knew John's sad history, and was pleased to hear of his present well doing. When they had been conversing awhile, John said:- I suppose, Mr. Welford, that you are aware that a full description of every prisoner is kept in the gaol to which he is Bent P So I have heard, Denton." Are you acquainted with the present Governor of Kirkdale Gaol, Captain Drayton P Yes; 1 have met him several times." I want you to do me a great favour, Mr. Welford, if you will. It will not give you much trouble-only the writing of a letter to the Captain," said John earnestly. What do you wish me to do ? You know, Denton, that I will willingly help you in any way I can." II I want you to get from the Governor a description of a prisoner who was sent to Kirkdale for two months at the early part of last April. His name was Richard Orrell, alias Ifiohard Smith. Do you remember the oase P" Orrell! Orrell I" Welford murmured. I fanoy I have heard the name before. For what offence was he sent to prison r" "For keeping a gambling house. He was formerly landlord of the Black Bull in Kings- moss, and he had been in prison before for embezzlement. It was at his chouse my poor wife was that fearful day of her death," said John sadly. And it is a description of this man you want me to get from Captain Drayton ?'' It is." Has the occiuip Wen doing something wrong again, John P" ,r ..>u evasively. The fact is, Mr. Welford, that I lüBpact a man [ have met lately of being this Orrell. I need not tell you that I require the description for a good purpose." I feel quite certain of that, and I will write to Captain Drayton. Here, Denton, just write down all partioulari in thia book, so that I shall make no mistakes." Denton followed this suggestion, and when he bad scribbled down the name and alw., of the man whose description he wanted, his offenoe, and the date of his inoarceration, he handed the pocket-book back to the magis- trate. He had added his own address also, If you obtain the desired information, Mr. Welford," said Denton, as he shook the other's hand, you might send it on to the address I have given." I will do so. I will write to Captain Drayton to-night." Then they parted, Two or three days later, when John Denton returned home from the colliery, he found a letter awaiting him. He broke it open with some eagerness, and along with a note irom Mr. Weliord he discovered the following interesting document Kirkdalf, January 12th, '77. £ *■ Dear Mr. Welford,—I have much pleasure in furnishing you with tUe information you ask for. The description is taken word for word from the prison books. Richard Smith, alias Richard Oi rell. At the time of present conviction, publican, Eingsmoa", Lancashire. Offence: Aiding and abetting gambling; length of term, two months. Former offence, embezzlement; term of imprisonment, six months; former place of imprisonment, County Gaol, Durham. Description of prisoner: Five feet ten in height, strongly built, heavy black moustache, and thick black ha if. Regular features. Age, twenty-eight. Body and arms free from marks. The calf of the right leg maiked with a deep black scar, and the aniiib of the right foot similarly marked with a smaller black scar both evidently produced by an accident in the mine. T. G. DEAITON, Governor." A thrill of satisfaction ran through John Denton's breast when he had mastered the oontents of the important document he held in his nervous hands. It did not take John Denton long to swallow his dinner and wash and dress himself. Then he hurried out to seek his friend Reuben Calvert and make him acquainted with all he had learned. When the latter had perused the Governor's pregnant communication, he turned to Denton and said: U Another difficulty faces us now, John. How are we to apply the test which has been placed in our hands?" fi I don't know, Reuben. But we must find a way. "r e can hardly stop now after going so far.' What are we to do P Kidnap the manager and examine him by main force ? Or go to him, explain our suspicions, and leave the rest to him ?" I'm afraid the latter course would be use- less. He would laugh at us, and all we should get for our pains would be dismissal. Besides he would then be warned against us. To at- tempt to kidnap 'John flardoastle' nligh t be dangerous, Reuben." "Well, we must wait, and see what we can do. Now that you have done so much, John, I will find out means to prove whether •'Hardcastle' is Orrell or not."
CHAPTER XXXIV.-MRS. SCOWCROFT…
News
Cite
Share
CHAPTER XXXIV.-MRS. SCOWCROFT CONSENTS. Within her snug, even luxurious ohamber &<* Park Fold House, the lovely widow was reclining at her ease. A soft and richly- garnished ottoman was drawn up to one side ° the fire, for the night was a bitterly cold one, and upon this Mrs. Jonathan Sooworoft half sat, half lay, i ) The mistress of Park Fold House and, Colliery was looking her best to-night, Her dark, handsome face was slightly flushed, her beautiful black eyes shone like stars, and the raven masses of her luxuriant hair were ooiled in a great bunch on her regal head. She was a woman who always affected rich stuffs. She was robed now in a dress of brown velvet, which fell about her ample figure in softly flowing folds. She was attired as if she were going to some party or enter- tainment. Her beautifully shaped throat was bare, and also a glimpse of her generous bosom her large white hands and lovely arms were likewise destitute of covering. Very charming she appeared as she lounged there in the abundance of her beauty, She was expecting a visitor, she wanted to appear at her loveliest when he came, and now and again she glanced, with'a contented smile, at her own reflection in the great gilded pier- glass over the mantel. Early that afternoon a short note from her manager had reached her. This note had this burden:- My dear Mrs. Scowcroft,—I feliould very much like to see you this evening, between six and seven. I have something v(.ry important to say to you-at least, it ia of the greatest importance to me. May I come ? If you are not engaged f T the hour named let me see you. JOlIN HARDCASTLE." In answer to that note Mrs. Scoworoft had penned the following words and forwarded them at once to her manager's residence Dear Mr. Hardcastle,—Come. I shall be very pleased to see you. I have no engagements for this evening—at least, none that I am unwiUing to break to meet you. I am wondering what it is you can have to say to me. BESSIE SCOWCROFT." Presently there was a light tap on the panels of the boudoir door, and a maid entered. "What is it, Nancy ?'' Mrs. Scowcroft asked without rising from her cosy resting plaoe. Mr. flardoastle has called, madam," the well-drilled, servant replied. "I will see him here." The girl glided away; the lovely widow took another look at herself in the mirror settled herself afresh on the ottoman and in a few moments the manager entered the chamber quietly, almost demurely. With a sweep of her white hand and arm she motioned him to a chair at the foot of the couoh. lie dropped into the armed seat as he murmured some words of pleasure at finding her at home. The manager was looking paler than usual, and his manner had a reticence, a hesitancy about it, uncommon with him..After this John Hardcastle fell into silence and stared moodily into the glowing fire. The widow was watching him keenly. She had divined his purpose there; she thought she comprehended why he was sopre-occupied and pale. She thought also that he looked handsomer and more interesting to-night than ever he had done before. She was the first to speak. Rising on her plump white elbow she said, You wanted to see me, Mr. Hardcastle P You had something to say ? Yea t" he replied, slowly, still refraining from looking at her. What about, pray P I dare not tell you now !-I wish I had not oome I" he burst out at last, and turning his gaze upon the fair picture of ripe woman- hood near him. Why ? she asked softly. She had risen now to a sitting posture, and was regarding him fixedly with her lustrous star-like eyes. « Because if I speak, you may send me away, and never let me approach you. I am only a poor fellow You are rich, beautiful I You cannot know what I want to tell you I" The man's voice was full of passion. He loved her very much. I suppose a villain flaracaatte" was honestly afraid at that moment to lake the plunge he had so long resolved to take. Perhaps I do know, John." There was no mistaking the meaning of the tender tone in which those words were iPokeu- no mistaking the feeling which prompted the lovely dame to lay her hand on her companion's arm, and let it rest there. The next instant he was on his knees on the tiger skin rug, and his love was pouring itself out in an impassioned and eloquent flood. And before he had done the while volup-, tuous arms of the loving woman were around his neok, her flushed face was sunk to a level with his own pale one, and he knew he was victorious in the great and daring game he had played. lp A little later she spoke again. They were sitting side by side now, on the velvet otto- man. What's the time ?" she asked, gaily glancing at the golden toy she wore. A quarter past seven. I'm in time yet. I don't see that I need break my engagement because you have chosen to speak to-night." What engagement do you refer to, Bessie p" he queried lovingly, Ii I have taken a box at the theatre for to- night," she made answer. We will both go, John." "Not to-night. Excuse me, dear," he pleaded. No do I am my own mistress yet, I suppose ?" she cried banteringly. And do not forget, sir, that you are still my servant.' I am your slave 1" he whispered, kissing the soft dark cheek. Then I command my slave to acoompany me to the play I" she cried in a pretty, mock dramatic fashion. Is my bond-servant already tired of his mistress that he desires to rnn away from her P" "No; yqur slave only loves his queen so much that he is jealous of other eyes seeing you. I would prison you here for ever if 1 could. "Nonsense, John ahe said coming down to the earth. II You will see enough of ino presently." Enough, Bessie dear, but never too much?" was his passionate and honestly spoken asseveration. But you will go with me p" If you wish it." She released herself from his dinging arms and touched the bell rope. Then she ordered the carriage, and a little afterwards the plighted lovers were being whirled rapidly towards the Theatre Royal, Luxbury.
CHAP fER XXXV.
News
Cite
Share
CHAP fER XXXV. BEFORE THE FOOTLIGHTS. The Theatre Royal was the only hall in the town expressly dedicated to the worship of the art of Thespis. The theatre was an old affair, neither very imposing in appearance so far as the outside went, nor very comfortable inside. But as it was the only place of its kind in Luxbury, the working classes of the town looked to it nightly, for your average work- illg man and women are great lovers of the I noble art of acting, and, occasionally, the aristocrats—that is, such aristocrats as the Neighbourhood possessed—paid a visit to the theatre Royal. ( On the night that Mrs. Scowcroft had < fK^f^d a k°x> one of the wandering stars of the dramatio firmament was starring for a i week in the town. 0 I, The old theatre was crowded from the foot- lights to the baok seat in the gallery with a c mixed audienoe of play-goers, who were 1 eagerly awaiting for the curtain to rise on the f Eirsfc scene of Bulwer Lytton'»famous, if some- what turgid, play, « The Lady of Lyons." a The balcony and dress-oirole-for the shab- biest home of the drama in the pettiest pro- vincial borough has always a dress-circle, if few patrons to fill it-were nicely filled by the better sort of shopkeepers and their dames; the pit was packed by respectable workmen and their wives, who could not tell a mummur of genius from a ranter or a stick; and, nearest the roof, the humblest patrons of the play, who paid only four coppers for admission, were jammed tightly together, as tinned sardines or boxed biscuits. In a front seat in the gallery were two of the principal actors in our own little drama. These, of course, were Reuben Calvert and the lass he had loved all his life, John Far- rington's daughter. A pleasant surprise had been in store for Reuben that afternoon when the day's work was over. On his way home he had run against the very last person he bad hoped to see in Luxbury. This was Mary. A thrill of pleasure had surged through the pitman at the sight of the woman's sweet face, which was now slowly winning back all its former colour and beauty. His face had flushed red under its honest grime, and he had grasped her out- stretched hand in his firm clasp. What are you doing here, Mary ? he asked, as they stood for a few moments together. I came on pur-on a little business, Reuben," she stammered, turning her face away from his ardent eyes. But did not attempt to explain what her business was. Then Calvert suddenly comprehended the truth. Mary had come over to Luxbury simply to see himself. His awkward and thoughtless question had been uttered on the impulse of the moment, and had had the effect of making her appear uncomfortable. He tried to undo his mistake. I suppose, Mary, you didn't intend to leave Luxbury without looking me up ?'' "Reuben," was her reply, "I have been to your lodgings, and when I found that you hadn't come home I came this way expecting to meet you." "I suppose you are not thinking of going back to Kingsmoss before night?'' "I am afraid I must. I can hardly leave the baby so long, Reuben." Where is the young lady P" With old Mrs. Bannister," "Then she'll catch no harm for a few hours!" Jieuben cried. You must come home with me and have a oup of tea. And to-night we'll go to the theatre to see I The Lady of Lyons.' What do you say, Mary ?" It will be eo late when I get back, Reuben, or else 1 should like very much to see the play." Then you must, You will be able to catch the last tro.in. And, Mary," he added tenderly, "you have Dot had too many pleasures lately, have you P" She did not speak for a moment, Then she said quietly, If you wish it I will go, Reuben." Of course I wish it. Well, that is settled, dear. But here comes John Denton. Walk on a little, Mary. I want to have n word or two in private with him." She walked slowly along the Sane, and in another moment Denton came up to his workmate. Is that Mrs. Orrell, Reuben 2" John asked, jerking his head towards the woman in front. Yes. I asked her to walk on as I wished to speak to you. Remember that not a word of the matter we have in hand must reach her." Of course not. I understand. You may trust me, Calvert. That is right. I would not have her sus- pect that we suspect for anything. Then the two pitmen quickened thr.ir n»ee. overcooli Mai v. ana thev all walkfrt on in company. Half an hour Jafer Keufcen Calvert and his sweetheart were iakmg tea together. As ihe sweet natured and pretty woman did the small honours of the table she looked lovelier and happier than she had done for many weary months. Reuben, on the other hand, was hardlv himself. The fear that "John Hardcastle" wal no other than Mary's husband was filling his thoughts. Onoe or twice he bad felt strongly impelled to let drop the quest he and Denton had undertaken, and to marry Mary without bothering himself as to whoiher the manager was the real John Hardcastle or not. But nobler aud lees selfish resolves had sprung up; and, having gone so far, now he was determined to carry the thing through. To have led tha woman he had loved so long, and loved still, t4 the altar without knowing whether her villainous husband was really dead would be criminal. And thinking this, Reuben's mouth was 0 closed. He could not urge Mary to name the day when she would be his wife, and not to urge her now to do so implied a negligenco- a lack of the desire on his part for the speedy consummation of their union. And to make Calvert's position more un- comfortable still, he was unable to tell Mary why he refrained now from repeating the proposal he had mada in his letter. When tea was done and they sat chatting together, Mary said, "I think, Heu;en, that there need be no false delicacy between us L II No," he answered, "we have known one another too long for that." Can you guess why I wanted to see you to-day ?-it was to see you that I came." "I cannot," he murmured, wondering what she was about say. I came here, Reuben, to free .you from the promise you made in the letter. I have no right to keep you to it." II Why, Mary ? Why ? "Because—let us be honest to each other Reuben—because I think it n-as pity; 8ym_' patby, goodness, but not love, which' made you ask me to be your wife. I will not let you make such a sacrifice!" God known, Mary, tfcat I never loved you so much as I do now You believe me ? But he did not attest to take her in his arms to kiss her. He fid not say, You must marry me I can wait no longer." Yes, I believe you," she replied, the tears filling her beautiful eyes, glad to witness his vehemence, yet surprised by his reticence. You asked me to wait and hope. I am waiting and hoping. But we must wait a little longer. Something has happened, Mary. I cannot tell you what. But you trust me 1 think ?" With all my heart and soul, Reuben j" she oried lowly and firmly. "Then I must ask you to wait until [ am free to speak. What am keeping back from you does not reflect upon me, nor upon you. Are you satisfied to know no more ?" I am Iler deep, trustful eyes met his own bravely, Fhen they clasped hands, and for a moment his lips touched her brow. That was the only jaress he permitted himself. Sitting there in the crowded theatre, Iveuben glanced hither and thither at the sea )f faces in the gallery and pit. Presently the jurtain arose and the play began. Just at this moment there were some fresh arrivals in one of the boxes almost opposite i vhere Calvert and Mary were sitting. She < vas following the opening of the play with leep interest; he, still casting his eyes about i lim, saw the new comers, and, watching them, i orgot all about the stage. j The people in the box were Mrs, Scowcroft i ,nd "John Hardoa3tle." From the moment! 1 they entered Reuben never permitted his gaze to wander from the pair. Their presenoe there spoke volumes as to their relationship. Presently Reuben saw "John Hardcastle" gaze round the house. First the manager's eyes rested on Reuben for a moment and then wandered to his companion, Then a rapid change swept over 11 John Hardoastle's" face. He had been flushed when he entered the box; now his counte- nance was white as the lovely widow's arms beside whom he was seated. Reuben Calvert was watching the other closely. He saw the piercing look John Hardcastle" rivetted on the unconscious Mary's face—saw him grow deadly pale, and could even perceive the start he gave. Then Mary turned to make some remark to Reuben, and at that moment the manager drew back, pulled the curtain of the box, and hid himself behind it. That little scene he had witnessed satisfied Calvert that John Denton was right. The manager must be Dick Orrell. The real John Hardcaatia had probably never seen Mary in his life. Why, then, should he manifest such surprise and unquestionable terror on behold- ing her P During the remainder of the evening the manager never again showed his face. Behind the curtain he remained hidden from Cal- vert's watchful eyes. This action on his part only tended to strengthen the opinion Reuben had already formed. When the play was concluded Reuben accompanied Mary to the station. And when he had seen her safely aboard the train, and it had roiled. away towards Kingsmoss, the miner went homewards, his brain already busy with a scheme to unmask John Hard- castle," (To he continued.)
A Game of Baccarat.
News
Cite
Share
A Game of Baccarat. — H II ■ ■■■■■ You ask me why I never play cards for money, except whist, and then only for six- penny points ? Yes, there is a story, and one that may not be uninteresting at the present time. You are, I think, aware that I was in the service before I succeeded to my cousin's title and property, a thing which I never expected. It is many years ago uow since I passed out of Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the —th Hussars, then quartered at' York. One was too young to have many enemies in those days, but I had one, whom I will call Stevens. There is no particular reason why I shouldn't give his real name, except that he is now dead. We had quarrelled freely at Sandhurst, and, to my intense disgust, I saw his name alongside of mine in the Gazette. He was appointed to the same regiment. To do him justioe, he was a capital man across country, and a tall, good-looking fellow, And he had lots of money, while I had only a few hundreds beyoncl my pay. But he was never exaotly a popular man in the —th, in spi'e of his lavish expenditure. It was, m fact, a bit too lavish, and it was rumoured that his father was a wealthy stockbroker, who had begun by sweeping out the office, Among the first invitations which'I received when I joined was one from Sir George Chesterfield, who had been a great friend of my father's. At his house I was introduced to many of the best country people, but I chiefly remember his niece and ward, Miss Ethel Chesterfield, whom I was deputed to take in to dinner. It was, I suppose, a case of love at first sight. I had been anxious to see her, for I had been told at mess that she had been the acknowledged belle of the previous season, acd UBSO or cue season tnat was Just beginning. I saw her ag:>in pretty constantly at dances and in the hunting fluid. Just as I bad satisfied myself I was making fitir progress in her affections, Stevens appeared as a rival and a most dangerous one, Like her uncle, Ethel was very keen on hunting and an excellent horse-woman—and I soon bad the mortification of seeing that Stevens was out- ting me out. As I have mentioned, he was excellent across country, and he could afford to give prices for his hunters which were utterly out of the question for me. Bt\t my hopes ran high again on the occa- sion of our regimental ball at Christmas. I was sitting out a dance with Ethel when she sud- denly told me she was going to Monte Carlo with her uncle and aunt for a few weeks. It had only been settled that day it was no good staying in England when frost made hunting impofsibie. Why didn't I go there too, she added; she had heard it was such a lovely place. I got a fortnight's leave without much difficulty. Just as my express was leaving York Station a man leapt into the carriage in a magnificent fur coat. It was Stevens. Hallo," said I, "going up to town ?" No," he replied, better than that. I've just gGt'a month's leave, and am off to Monte Carlo. Where are you bound?" I told him I was also going to the South of France for a few weeks. He smiled, and I almost felt that I could have killed him and thrown him out of the window as the train whizzed along. So Ethel had told him as well, had she ? We agreed to meet and go by a particular train there was no club train in those days. ihe only result was that we neither of us went by the agreed train, but both went by the one before; however, we pretended not to see each other, and occupied different car- riages, It was, I think, 'the third day after our arrival that we both dined with the Chester- fields at the little villa they had taken. There were only two other men W there, both racing men, and old friends of Sir George's. After dinner we played cards-first vingt- et-un, which was voted dull, and ultimately baccarat. Lady Checterfield and Ethel both played, because we said we hadn't enough without them. It is an odd thing about Monte Carlo: the gambling spirit of the place seems to affect everybody. I am sure that neither our hostess nor her neice would have dreamed of playing at lork, but here it was a different thing. Sir George wouldn't let them play at the public tables, and so they both hailed this opportunity with delight. For perhaps an hour the game went on quietly enough, no one had lost anything to speak of, Stevens and mjself being, I think, the only winners. Ultimately, Stevens took the bank. Up to this time we had been play- ing with a limit of five louis, but at Stevens's suggestion the limit was withdrawn. I made a^feeble protest, but I was myself a winner, and Stevens said with something like a sneer that I need not stake high if I was afraid of losing. This put my blood up, as you .can imagine. I brought out my note-case, and found I had about JESO with me, of which perhaps L30 was winnings. It wasn't perhaps a very sportsman-like thing to do in a private r{ame, but I called the bank, which was £?O, and turned up my cards. They were the nine of hearts, and a ten. Stevens looked at his sards and paid me. It was my turn to take the bank, I made it £100. Ethel was sitting ou my right; Stevens took the place on the left of the dealer which [ had just vacated. He brought out a pile of ;iotes, called the bank the first deal as J had lone, but lost. Indeed, I \yon sides. When the others bad made their stakes, nostly five or ten louia, Stevens again called ihe bank, which now meant about JE300. I protested to Sir George, and he agreed with ne it was too much; but how could it be lelped f 61 well, i said, its merely tossing double or quits; whichever way it goes, I shall close the bank after the next deal." I know £ 200 isn't much to you, Stevens," I added, but it means nearly a year's income to me." Then he turned up our cards. I won one side, Stevens's, and lost on the other. Stevens paid up and looked anything but pleasant; so did Ethel, who, much to my dis- gust, was following him. Everyone else was on the other side, and won, but their stakes were comparatively small. I again mentioned that the next was my last deal. It was a repetition of the one before, except that I won both sides. Stevens had about £ 350 on the cards, Ethel another ten louis. There was a murmur when I turned up my cards, the nine of hearts and a ten. Bai Jove," drawled Stevens, "nine of hearts again. Funny, isn't it p" He counted out his notes with great care, making a long business of it, I shoved them into my case without looking at them, glad that it was over. On the other hand, I felt rather un- comfortable at closing the bank when I was such a winner. "My bank," said Sir George. Come out of it) my boy. Wrhat do you say to going back to the five louis limit. F Has anyone any objection ? I myself think ws had better. Anything you like, I said getting up. I wish we had stuck to it all along." I am afraid, however, I was secretly rather glad to have worsted Stevens, especially before Ethel. On the other hand, I knew she had been losing rather a bt to me, and was afraid that, like a woman, she would be angry with ms in consequence. Well, I would buy her some little present to make us quits again. I went to the sideboard to mix myself a brandy and seltzer, leaving my note case in Ethel's care, telling her to stake what she liked on the first deal, On returning to the the table she gave it me back with something of a sigh, You have won a lot," she said. a The next two or three deals I staked the limit, and lost each time. Then I took another note out of my case, and, to my amazement, a card came cut with it, and fell face upwards on the table. Everyone saw it. It was the nine of hearts again. No one said a word for some secondsJduring which I felt my colour come and go and the sweat breaking out on my forehead. "Dai jove," muttered Stevens. "1 didn't put it there," I stammered. Then I remembered that Ethel had had my case for a minute or two. But it was incredible that she could have done such a thing; still, how else could it have got there ? I looked at her and saw she seemed very frightened. I didn't 11 know what to think or to say. H K oJ no of course not," said Sir George cheerily, but you may h-ve picked it up with those notes by mistake, when you won all that pile from Stevens. Still I think we had better stop now; it's getting late now, yon know; my dear," he added to his wife. "I think you and Ethel had better be off to bed. You other fellows will stop and have another drink, I hope." As soon as the ladies had left the room, he continued, "First of all, I trust to your honour that none of you gentlemen will ever continued, "First of all, I trust to your honour that none of you gentlemen will ever refer to this matter again. Don't think, my boy," this to me, that any of us imagine you picked the card up on purpose, hot still, if the story gets abroad, unpleasant things are sure to be said." So nothing more came of it at the tima, but I cannot say that I enjoyed the few days that were left me at Monte Carlo, I saw next to nothing of the Chesterelfiis, for I fought shy of meeting Ethel, I was convinced that I hadn't picked up the card myself; but I couldn't believe that she had placed it in my That lu'wto tavtj given it me on purpose among hia notes. That \T39 much more likely, it me on purpose among hia notes. That \T39 much more likely, I had ^been back at York a week or two before Stevens retained. He happened to find us playing the usual regimental loo after mess. lie asked to take a hand, but refused, Why not ?" someone said. "Well," he replied, "it's like this; while this fellow (pointing to me) is playing I prefer to stand out." He was a little drunk, I fancy. You can imagine the row that ensued. Everyone called on Stevens for an explana- tion, But he refused point-blank to say any- tfltng further, save that he was under a pro- mise to give no particulars. "Nonsense," said I; you ought to have held your tongue altogether," and I proceeded to put the whole matter before them as it had happened, except that I kept Miss ( hester- fields name out of the story. "Of course." I aiided, "now that this man has insulted me, I must put the whole an-air before the colonel to-morrow, and let him deal with it. Till then I shan't go on playing cards, if I ever do again." The colonel postponed the inquiry till the Chesterfields returned. I, of course, wrote to Sir George and told him what had happened. My friends in the regiment told me that public opinion was entirely on my side, but for all that I felt very miserable, for I realised that appearances were against me, and how hard it would be to clear myself. One afternoon, a few days after.vardp, when I was mooning alone in my quarters, my ser- vant told me that a gentleman wished to set me. To my surprise, it was Sir George, who was not expected back for a week or two. "I came back at once," he said, as soon as I heard how that scoundrel had behaved. He shall never darken my doors again." "Then you think," I cried, that Stevens gave me the card on purpose wrapt up in his notes P". "No, no, my boy," be answered, "not so bad as all that but he had no right to say a word about it, considering the ciroumstances. hthel was the culprit. When I got yonr note, I told my wife and Ethel all it contained. Ethel burst into tears she had been waiting, she said, to tell you herself. !She had put it there as a joke, not understanding there could be any fuss about it, but merely to enjo,- vour embarrassment when you found it. Then she was frightened, but would have confessed if I had not explained it away, as I did, before sending her to bed. And she didn't see you again before you left Monte Carlo. I told her what an awful thing she had done, and she hope? you may be able to forgive her. I will make it all right with the Colonel at once. Here is a note from Ethel to you." Of course, I was delighted to be cleared, but it seemed a mean thing for the girl to have done. Still, as 1 remember the senior captain said that night at mess, unless women have played cards often, they never understand the accepted notions of honour concerning them. It was his experience that they generally cheated themselves, and that it was quite beyond their knowledge that a man incurs mere odium in society for cheating at cards than he does even for seducing his host's wife 0.1 daughter. Bat such is the fact; therefore a man must never be accused of cheating unless there be absolute proof. a They made it so warm for Stevens in the regiment that he exchanged on the first opportunity, and we saw no more of him. No, I didn't marry Ethel. I daresay it would make a better story if I had. But I'm afraid I never quite forgive. She married the fox- hunting parson of the next parish.—Fashion and Uport,
[No title]
News
Cite
Share
GENERAL COMPLAINT is made of the indigesti. hLln i'/ itlle ordinary cocoas of commerce, it having oiirlr f'y shown bv the medical profession that tlie ,0° .often used by the foreign manufacturer*, comomedwith the fatty matters, form a soapy result wmch 13 most; deleterious to health. In the case of cocoas made with care, such as Messrs. Cadbury's, these objections do not exist.— Whitehall Review, Lc5 f