From Jest to Earnest

, and Harcourt and De Forrest, sat down to a game of whist. In pursuance of instructions from Lottie, De Forrest was not to be over-attentive, though it was evident that he

rong-minded American girl might crave better and more important work than that of an Eastern houri or a Queen Scheherezade, never occurred to him. He blundered, with many other men, in supposing that, if once married, the wayward belle would become subservient to h

d himself no fool in their table-talk, but mere intellectuality and moral excellence counted for little in De Forrest's estimation when not combined with wealth and external elegance. The thought that the "giant" might have a heart, and that Lottie's clever seeming might win it, and the consequent mortification and suffering, did not occasion a moment's care. Unconsciously De Forrest belonged to that lordly class which has furnished our Neros, Napoleons, and tyrants of less degree, even down to Pat who beats his wife. These, from their throne of selfishness, view the

tle back of them, so that while she saw their side faces they must turn somewhat to see her. When they did so she was quietly stitching at her fancy-work, but the rest of th

se at their table, for an evening without cards was to him a mild form of purgatory. But Lottie anticipated him. Giving a si

Miss Marsden," h

orror, as if they were committing sacrilege, and Harcourt had to im

me irritation. "What under heaven can I now do, this l

Mr. Hemstead, you surprise me. Cards are the staple amusement of a quiet eveni

e wrong, you were not very g

uch matters-pardon me-who is one now, I am assured that this old custom is

testantism. Your conscience, instr

harm in whist tha

conscience nee

that is it! Ple

ace serious enough for an anxi

conscience needs instruction also. What

hing wrong in a 'quiet game of cards,'

asked Lotti

seemed to explode, but they made it app

peak English. You ma

nglish, the only lan

et game such as you would play here would be wrong in itself. But the

er eyebrows. "Cards are associated in my mind

y rough characters, and in questio

uch places," she repli

while the others were almost convulsed. Bel managed to gasp out, as a blind, "Mr

little stiffly, "I hope, Miss Marsden, that you do not suppose

ore I was the more surprised when you spoke of

ent with a man from a lady. A man is more out in the world, and, no matter how careful, cannot help catching

car a 'questionable place'? Mr. De Forrest," she continued sharp

e replie

ead declares it is a 'questionable place.' I hope her

d about them whatever, Miss Marsden. What I meant to say was, that in such places as smoking-cars, hotel lobbies, and through the open doors of saloons, are caught glimpses of a life which we all should u

our cosey sitting-room at home, with its glowing grate and 'moon-light lamp,' as we call it, for father's eyes are weak. Even now," she continued, assuming the look of a rapt and beautiful sibyl, that was entrancin

tened as the scene called up became real and present to her. With a

thought, for it convinced the honest-minded Hemstead that she was just what she see

ely, "As to gambling with cards, we no more thought of it than sending to a corner gro

picture you suggest! The idea of your stately

ions. Of course I know that bad and vulgar people play cards, but they also drive horse

ifference. I have always been taught to look upon cards with gre

of cards is wrong, I won't play any more-at least I ought not," she added hastily. "Because some vulgar and fast people gamble w

disappeared, as was ever the case w

game as your brother might, at home. But away among strangers at the West that knowledge proved fatal. He was inveigled into playing by some gamblers, staked all his own money, th

ven Lottie's red cheek paled a little, and the gigglers became quiet. She

even the wisest and best are at times 'weak and foolish.' I think the knowledge of card-playing can result in no harm to you, shielded as you

N

ink they can win money by playing a fair game. They are permitted to win just enough to turn their heads, and then are robbed. Remorse, despair, and suicide too often follow. Cards are the usual me

e, was just the one an artful knave could mislead. For a moment or two she sat silent and thoughtful. All awaited her answer save Mr. Dimmerly, who,

all uncertainties. The most innocent things are carried to vulgar and wicked excess. You can't shield one from without if lacking the will and power to say, No! I think it will be safe

gined, his tread was not fairy-like, and there was a yelp that awoke the echoes. Mr. Dimmerly started out of his sleep, with a snort like the blast of a ram

dly inclined to anathematize his big feet. Lott

, and I fear that you are no exception, Mr. Hemstead. So, since I have had

naturedly. "In any case my ans

ttie's laugh. "That is

d call this dear littl

comforting her s

OURTESY!"

t I understand as well as Choctaw. Lottie, I hope you are not argued out of one of our best old English customs.

d, you have discharged your duty. If they play whist all night and commit suicide in the morning, your skirts are clear. Shake off the dust of your feet at them, and take a promenade in the hall with me. Cousin Julian

had lived in such different atmospheres that they could scarcely understand each other, and both harbored thoughts that were hardly charitable, as is usually the case in regard to those actions whic

not calculate it; but this element of uncertainty made observation all the more interesting. The wide old hall, without the embarrassment of observant eyes, was just the place to learn something more definite of one who thus far had dazzled and puzzled, while she gained his strong interest. True, Addie and Mr. Harcourt were walking before them, but seemed so absorbed in each o

thoughts, while her heart remained hidden. He thought he saw herself, but in truth only false and vanishing images. Still, like the mirroring water