The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1909-07-08
'Love-An'
BY ]. Sseknlle Martin


shone gloriously. the surface OF the
court had dried. Charlie Acton -four
ished his racket exultantly. The pros
pect Of an afternoons healthy exer-
else set the blood tingling in his
body.
Just inside the netting the tutelary
deity of the place-a Clipped, plaster
Cupid-drew his bow at a venture
from the height of his pedestal. Char
lie buzzed ball at him and laughed
as the fragments Of plaster fell of.
Come, on. Ediei" he shouted. "Are
you going to be all day?"
His howl of protest-for II was
nothing less-evoked a vision Of a
dainty maiden. fair-haired and slen-
der. demure in white piQue. carrying
her racket.
what a noise you make!" she said
reproachfully.
you girls take such a lot Of time
titivating yourselves" he answered,
defiantly.
"A cousinly speech" she retorted.
"I'm sure was very quick"
Just see me knock the plaster of
that chap there" said Charlie. buoy
antly. buzzing a second ball at the
statue. His aim was true. and sec
ond shower of plaster fell.
Poor Cupid" said the girl. "He
ought to have netting put around
him."
"a lot better for the world II he
had" said Charlie, promptly.
"Cynicl Who's wasting time now?
What are you going to give met"
Fifteen and a licking"
But you're not"
what? Not 15?"
mo. I'll take IS. Not licking"
"You won't be able to help it. Come
on"
They took their places on opposite
sides TO the net The service fell to
Charlie. Gently he sent the bail
across
IF you insult me with another serv-
fee like that" said Edie. ignoring it.
Il won't play, so therel"
"All right then. take that" Char
lie sent in an express. got you that
time. think"
TRY it again"
81 will. Take that. oh. pretty"
do you mean met" asked Edie.
calmly.
I'm dashed II I do. my dearl 1
meant your return"
Yes. 1t did make you look a bit
silly. didn't it?"
Think look silly?"
"You did"
"All right, my fair cousin.
I'll make you look sillier before I've
finished with you"
"And J." murmured the damaged
Cupid. unheard. will make you both
look silly before I have finished with
you. I'll teach you to spoil my plas-
ter"
Service, return, and rally went on
through the afternoon. Charlie was
hot; Edie flushed and painting. Her
hair was no longer the perfection of
heatness, but its stray curls framed
her face adorably. At length, as she
rushed across the court to take a
short forehand drive, she stumbled.
and, putting out her hand to save
herself. fell with her palm against
the pedestal upon which Cupid
stretched his bow.
"Oh, oh dear!" she cried. I've
hurt my wrist"
whats up now" said Charlie.
standing over her and looking at the
flushed face upturned to his with
lively admiration. You're not really
hurt. are your"
Il am. It's that statue"
"Confoundedly in the way. that Gu
pidi" growled Charlie Sure you're
not shamming?"
I'm not You can look IL you like.
See my wrist"
Charlie knelt down.
cts frightfully swollen, isn't it,"
she said. extending IL.
Its an awfully pretty wrist" he
said, taking it tenderly.
1T isn't. It's swollen"
at never knew II was so pretty
before" he continued.
Its the swelling that makes It that
shape" she explained. at will go
down in time"
"Edie. you little humbug. it isn't
swollen at ALL"
She tried to snatch her hand away.
Il must say you haven't much SYM
pathy," she said. Let it go IL there's
nothing the matter with IT,"
There is nothing the matter with
it.; that's why I'm keeping It,"
81 can't see what my wrist is to
you"
NO? Suppose l was to ask FOR
the hand?"
"Charlie."
"Yes?"
you What do you Why do you
- Oh, don't you think we had bet
ter go on with our gamer"
Couldn't allow it. my dear. Your
wrist is sprained. Besides, you
haven't answered my question"
you shouldn't ask such silly ques-
tons"
rs it a silly question:"
Eyes"