Evening journal., 1909-04-09
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A Diplomatic
Benz.
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BY EDWARD s. sPlNNEV.


1909. by American Press Asso-
ciation.l
1 was tutoring a youth OF nineteen
l had a fancy TO go abroad in the
diplomatic corps, but as l had no In
huence TO secure an appointment /
kept my ambition to myself. My pupil,
Alec Kirk. should have been ready for
college. but he was not. and It was
my part to get him ready as soon as
possible. His father. after turning
him over 10 me, went to Europe. Be
fore leaving he gave me n single in
struction-viz:
Don't let any woman snare him
while I am away"
made a companion OF Alec. and he
seemed to enjoy my society I'm prefer
ence to that Of young fellows OF bis
own age. He gave me- his confidence
in everything but one. A woman
laid siege for him. and he did not tell
me. His father had lectured him be-
fore going AWAY on his susceptibility
and told him that I was empowered TO
forbid his attentions to any woman.
Alec not only failed to trust the mat
ter to me, but told the woman who was
trying to snare him OF my charge. She
was smart enough TO keep aloof from
me, and 1 did not discover her or her
object till l was informed of both by
the housekeeper. warned the house
keeper not 10 divuIge the fact that
knew OF what was going on. II
could save the boy would put his
father under obligations. Mr.. Kirk
had great political influence.
Alec wished the lady to win my good
opinion. She. supposing that I knew
nothing OF their affair, consented.
though reluctantly. I was introduced
to Miss Martha Collingwood. aged
twenty eight, impecunious. passably
good looking and of a common family.
1 called on her with Alec and during
the call manifested friendliness that
disarmed both. But while extending
the olive branch I was sharpening the
sword. / suggested that Miss Colling
wood and Alec use the tennis court at
his home and even offered II we could
find another girl to make up set with
them myself. I had In mind Miss
Gladys Hoyle, a young lady who had
the faculty Of making the most rasp-
ing remarks with the most kindly pre-
tended intentions. Knowing that there
is nothing which viii turn man from
a woman quicker than a feminine fight,
hoped to use Miss Hoyle for the pur
pose Of drawing out whatever Of tenn
per Miss Collingwood might possess
and intended that Alec should witness
the scrimmage.
We secured Miss Hoyle, and / chose
her for my partner. Miss Collingwood
opened the game, serving TO me.
sent the ball back, and she returned
it. It dropped just within the line. but
l pronounced It foul.
THAT wasn't foul" said Miss Col
lingwood.
looked at my partner for support
Certainly It was" she said.
"My eyes must have deceived me-
said Miss Collingwood.
"Some people can't play tennis a
ALL" returned Miss Hoyle. ION accoun
Of their eyes. ] thought l saw some
thing amjss with yours. It's quit
noticeable"
There was an ominous fash from
Miss Collingwood. She made no re
ply. and the game went on. My owl
game had opened ausplciously, ant
fortune continued to Slvor me. Miss
Hoyle in volleying close to the ne
sent the ball against Miss Colling
woods nose The latter dropped he
racket and caught a trickling strean
Of blood IN her handkerchief.
"You did that on purpose" she cried
casting a flashing glance at Mis-
Hoyle.
"You datter me. II l could hit
mark like hat I'd eater for a cham
pionship." replied Miss Hoyle.
Miss Collingwood was getting read.
for a rejoinder when I added 70 be
rufiing by asking II she would Pre-
ceed with the game.
II don't think she'd better Mis-
Hoyle put in, with that nose. It'n b
all the colors Of the rainbow tomor
row. Ny advice is raw beef"
"Some people are offensive wit
their advice" snapped the sufferer.
Pleasure had gone out Of the gam
for Alec. lie proposed to stop playing
{ Miss Collingwood started for the hous
/ 10 put cold water on her nose. Alec
= instead OF accompanying her foun'
occupation in gathering the balls an
rackets. / whispered to him TO tax
p Miss Hoyle home she smilingly &C
cepted his invitation. As the tw
walked away Miss Collingwood turne
and dartcd a fiery spark. / saw he
home. adding fuel tothe flame by tel
ing her thai thought Miss Hoyle ha
sent the ball against her nose on puI
pose and was trying TO catch Alec,
] supposed that / had only made
beginning, but was mistaken. Whe
Alec and I met again he confessed Z
me that there had been an affair b'
tween him and Miss Collingwood "a
which 1 expressed great surprise). bT
that 1t was ended ] kindly offered I
give him my advice as TO the bei
method Of dropping it. The illusio
5 had passed out Of bin. and nothin
could bring It back.
When Mr.. Kirk returned from FL
rope / made no mention Of his son
escape. but he learned Of it and aske
me about II. told him the story, I
the end Of which he said:
/ "You should be In the diplomat
corps. The first requisite Of a dipl