The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-07-23
A GAME OF TENNIS

ner in a tournament promoted by our
hostess.
Just at that time tennis was filling
everybody's mind, and there was quite
enough jealousy out walking to make
the tournament of no small importance.
Each gentleman was TO ask a lady to
play with him. and 1t was thought
probable in some cases that it would
lead TO a permanent partnership. On
the other hand. love I'm tennis means
nothing and is much disliked by the
players.
Sitting In the orchard on the after
noon preceding the great event, smok-
ing dreamily in the shade Of the trees
l observed Beatrice approaching. Sh
was apparently unaware of my pres
ence until TOO late TO retreat, for she
asked forgiveness for disturbing my
meditations. l implored her 10 have
pity on my loneliness, and as there
were two chairs close together under
the big apple tree-not an unusual Oc-
currence-she consented.
"Tm awfully excited about tomor-
row." she said after a few inconSe-
auent remarks. Il wonder what the
pairs will. be"
81 wonder" said 1.
She leaned little toward me.
"I've been practicing my service this
morning. can screw ii now
"a screw is an excellent thing" l re-
piled. carefully abstaining from too
much enthusiasm.
ut would go splendldly with your
fast service" she remarked thought
fully.
pointed to the house.
"They also serve who only stand
and wait" quoted.
Il haven't asked you" she cried in
dignantly.
said nothing. Beatrice rose.
Il won't play with you now" she
said.
Forgive me-" implored. "And may
l have the pleasure"
"NO."
"Then / have no chance Of winning"
l said flinging myself back in my
chair in an attitude of intense despair
Beatrice stood for moment in silence,
steadfastly regarding her parasol
Presently she said:
you think we should get on we'll to-
getherT
81 know It," l replied fervently.
"Wen. you've 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" l cried
joyfully.
AT tennis" added Beatrice.
Ny Joy moderated.
You say too many horrid things for
any one TO like you, you know she
said. / jumped up. She walked quick
" away. But she looked back once
and smiled at me.
l seated myself again under the APP
pie tree and began to think of pOssibili-
ties.
Tea"
The voice came from behind me.
knew 1t well. In a moment my thoughts
were pigeOnholed, and l jumped up.
Kitty was standing at the back of my
chair, holding in one hand a cup Of tea
and in the other a plate on which lay
square inch of cake.
This is an honor" said l, 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"
l took the proffered refreshment, and
Kitty sank into a chair remarking:
Il must wait for the cup"
"But really" 1 began, resuming my
seat.
ut is O pleasure" she said. 1--WE just
come from the tennis ground and
thought you might like it."
She paused for moment, then add
ed:
1--WE been practicing my service"
began to understand. l said, "Oh!"
Il can place it anywhere now; a nice,
fast service. l think that's much better
than a screw, don't your
She looked up at me. Big hats be-
come her remarkably well.
Infinitely BETTER said l.
do you think that-that-we should
make a good pairY' she asked after a
moments silence.
How could i resist? There were the
tea, and the cake, and the big hat,
and am mortal. Kitty graciously con-
scented to play with me in the tourna-
ment
But when she left me began to real
lie that was compelled to choose be-
tween the two young ladies, with the
certainty of offending one.
! had struck a match to light fresh
cigar and was gazing thoughtfully at
the flame, when an idea came to me.
threw down the match and took out my
penknife. Then l drew the sharp edge
across my thumb, afterward making
an imposing bandage with my handker-
chief. / was disabled.
AS remarked at dinner that evening,
IT was a most unfortunate occurrence,
but hoped with care and nourishment
soon to regain my former vigor. l could
not, of course, play in the tournament,
but would gladly pour out the tea and
make myself generally useful.
To have offended either Beatrice or
Kitty Trehearne would have made me
most unhappy.
For l am very fond Of both my sis
ters.-King.