The Wilmington daily Republican., 1901-10-12
A BIT OF STRATEGY.

stood (although l am sure it would not
be with those who know me-, must
explain that was the best tennis
player in the house, and both Lady Beat.
rice and Lady Kitty Trehearne desired
me for partner in a tournament pro.
noted by our hostess. Just at that time
tennis was filling everybody's mind and
there was quite enough jealousy out walk.
ing to make the tournament of no small
importance. Each gentleman was to ask
a lady to play with him, and it was thought
probable, in some cases, that it would lead
to a permanent partnership. On the other
hand, love in tennis means nothing, and Is
much disliked by the players.
However, as old Sir Mannering remarked
to me in the smoking room 1T would
certainly serve to show predictions, and
! provide topics for discussion
Sitting in the orchard on the afternoon
preceding the great event, smoking dream
lily in the shade of the trees, | observed
Lady Beatrice approaching. She was ap.
parently unaware OF my presence until too
| late to retreat, for she asked forgiveness
| for disturbing my medltations ! implored
her to have pity on my loneliness, and as
| there were two chairs close together under
the big apple tree mot an unusual occur.
rence) she consented.
"I'm awfully excited about tomorrow"
she said, after few inconsequent remarks,
II wonder what the-pairs will be-
IL wonder" said |.
She leaned little toward me.
live been practicing my service this morn.
ing. can twist it now"
7
piled, carefully abstaining from too much
enthusiasm.
at would be splendid with your fast serv.
ice," she remarked, thoughtfully.
pointed to the house.
"They also serve who only stand and
watt ! quoted
Il haven't asked you," she cried indig-
nanty.
! said nothing. Lady Beatrice rose.
II won't play with you, now" she said.
But this was not the result l desired.
was very anxious not to offend her. Really,
remarkably anxious. ,,,
Forgive me- | implored "And may
l have the pleasure?'
NO"
"Then | have no chance of winning"
said, hRging myself back in my chair, in an
attitude of despair. lady Beatrice stood
for moment in silence, steadfastly regard
ing her parasol. Presently she said
"Iou think we should get on well to.
gether"
Il know it," I replied, ferventIy.
"Wel, you have been horribly rude, but
-perhaps--I do so want to win, and you're
the best man in the house.
"Such an opinion from you?" | cried JOY.
fully
AT tennis,' added Lady Beatrice.
My joy moderated,
"You say too many nasty things for any
one to like you, you know" she said. |
jumped up. She walked quickly away. But
she looked back and smiled at me.
Lady Beatrice Trehearne is, considered,
a most charming girl.
l seated myself again under the apple
tree, and began to think of possibilities.
And after half-hour of deep meditation |
saw no reason to recant my opinion that
Lady Beatrice Trehearne was most charm.
ing girl, and one eminently fitted to up
hold the dignity Of an ancient name.
"Tea, my lord"
The voice came from behind me. knew |
II we'll. Ill u lIOHlEut my tHouSHts NViO
pigeon. holed, and l jumped up. Lady
Kitty was standing at the back Of my chair,
holding in her hand cup of tea, and in !
the other a plate on which lay square inch |
of cake.
"This is an honor" said I. astounded.
Zone large lump and one small, and not |
too much milk" said she, holding the cup
out to me- Il think that is right"
took the proffered refreshment. and
Lady Kitty sank into chair, remarking:
81 must wait for the cup
"But, really" ] began, resuming my
seat.
at is a pleasure she said "I've just
come from the tennis ground, and thought |
you might like it,
She paused for moment; then added:
1--WE been practicing my service
| began to understand said: OH
II can place it anywhere now; nice,
fast service. think that's much better
than a twist, don't you:'
She looked up at me. Big hats become
her remarkably we'll
Infinitely better said |.
"Do you think that-that We should make
1 good pair!" she asked after a moments
silence.
How could | resist? There was the tea
and the cake-and the big hat-and | am
mortal Lady Kitty graciously consented to
play with me in the tournament.
She is, consider, most charming girl.
But after she left me, after further con-
sideraton on that and other matters IA
most enjoyable time to me) began to real.
re that things were not as they should be.
For was compelled to choose between the
two young ladies, with the certainty OF of.
Tending one. This | was very fous to
lvoid, at any rate just then -
| had struck match to Light fresh cigar,
md was gazing thoughtfuly at the flame,
when an idea came to me. Threw down the
match and took out my pocketknite. Then
| drew the sharp edge across my thumb,
making an imposing bandage
with my handkerchief. ! was disabled.
As | remarked at dinner that evening, it
was most unfortunate occurrence, but l
loped with care and nourshment soon to
,egan my former vigor, | could not, OF
course, play in the tournament, but would
daddy pour out the tea, and make myself
generally useful
TO have offended either Lady Beatrice or
lady Kitty Trehearne would have made me
most unhappy.
For am very fond of both my sisters
London King.