The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-07-05

am not professional golfer, though I
would readily forsake even the most
dazzling corner in diamonds to tread
the delightful paths of ArdnamOre, ana
linger in the enhancing occupation of
teaching the most charming girl in the
world the finest game that man or wo-
man is heir to-
It hope you are properly ashamed Of
yourself. staying here under false pre-
lenses. This letter has just come for
you-at least, I presume it is for you:"
Cecil H. Stokes. Esq,
"Of Mappin & Stokes. Stock Brokers.
'Postoffice,
"Ardnamore."
"Ah, yes, this is for me. 1t is from
my partner. Thanks SO much for hav-
ing acted as postman. But as for re-
me, Miss Mabel, I cannot-it shall be
the dearest memory of my toidng
hours
1.-The housekeeper has just asked me
If all golf professionally have silver
backed hair brushes. and II their rings
bear crest"
Please assure Mrs. Mactavish that
golf PROFESSIONALS after a tour Of the
states. are capable of anything; and as
for the crest it is about all l shall ever
get from Stokes Hall. MinchinweN'
rs that where you come from. Mr..
Stokes?''
1T is in the family, Miss Mabel; but
now it is purely an ornament. May I
sucker" he asked, as he stopped and
lifted it up where 1t had fallen from q
little nosegay the girl carried.
II believe it is red clover; that is sig
that enterprising young man had ale
ready deposited the sprig carefully in
side an envelope.
The day of the match came. and Mr..
Stokes was not at all ill-pleased in
wardly, to learn that Braid was feeling
off-color. That famous professional had
Overplayed himself, and the long jour-
ney north knocked him out Before a
brilliant assemblage the match began.
1t was over thirty-six holes. Playing
all he knew, and we'll aided by his thor
ough knowledge of the links, Mr.. Stokes
managed to hold himself level with his
game was won Braid was unable to
get down even the easiest puts. All
even, saw the end of the forenoon
round. After lunch the fight was re-
newed. An encouraging nod from Miss
Mabel, who seen ed to be deeply inter-
ested in the match, sent Mr.. Stokes into
action in a very cheerful frame of mind.
Though he could not hold Braid from
the tee. he felt he was safe in the short
game, and SO it proved. The match
was exceedingly closely contested, and
eventually fell to the home professor
al" as the local paper phrased it, by
one hole.
There was great applause, and con-
gratulations were showered upon the
modest young professional. who was the
essence OF modesty, az an elderly lady
observed.
Early next morning Mr.. Stokes de-
parted He stole out cautiously, leav-
ing his effects to be sent after him. A
note to Mr.. Morgan explained that a
sudden illness of an aunt took him
away. And the capitalist spluttered at
the breakfast table that the ways of
modern golf professionals were past
finding out Still. he was a decent lad.
Mabel. and that victory over Braid
was treat
A few days later a check was re-
ceived by the local hospital Cor e84, the
donor being known by the signature
professional"
When Miss Mabel was seen talking to
olean-shaven, earnest young man at
the Dowager Lady Stokes ball, old Mr..
Morgan observed, "Gad, sir, you remind
me of a clever young golfer had down
at my place In the Highlands last year:
Stocks they called him; came from e
London club. and beat Braid" Mr..
Stokes observed that he played golf.
too, and hoped to have the pleasure OF
a game with Miss Mabel at Charley
wood.
1t was admitted as the season wore
on, that Miss Mabel and Stokes made a
veSy dangerous pair in a fOursome, and
old Mr.. Morgan has a collection of
trophies which he points to as my
daughters
Cards are out for a wedding.