Amador ledger., 1909-08-20
A DipEo mario
Benf.
ey epWARp S. sPlNNEY.


diplomatic corps, but as | had no In
fiuence 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 MS
possible. His father. after turning
him over to me. went to Europe. Be
fore leaving he gave me a single in
struction-viz:
Z Don't let any woman snare him
while am away"
made companion of Alec, and he
seemed to enjoy my society in prefer
ence to that of young fellows of his
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 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 did not discover her or her
object till | was informed of both by
the housekeeper. | warned the house
keeper not to divulge the fact that
knew of what was going on. If l
could save the boy | would put his
father under obligations. Mr.. Kirk
had great political influence.
Alec wished the lady to win my good
IO I know
nothing of their affair, consented,
though reluctantly. l was introduced
to Miss Martha Collingwood, aged
twenty-eight, impecunious, passably
good looking and of a common family.
| called on her with Alec and during
the call manifested a friendliness that
disarmed both. But while extending
the olive branch 1 was sharpening the
sword. l suggested that Miss Colling-
wood and Alec use the tennis court at
his home and even offered If we could
find another girl to make up set with
them myself. l had in mind Miss
Gladys Hoyle, 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 will turn man from
a woman quicker than 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 l chose
her for my partner. Miss Collingwood
opened the game, serving to me. l
sent the ball back, and she returned
it. 1t dropped just within the line, but
pronounced it foul. ~ ~
'That wasn't foul" said Miss Col
lingwood.
1 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 at
ALL" returned Miss Hoyle, ION account
of their eyes. l thought 1 saw some
thing amiss with yours. It's quite
noticeable"
There was an ominous fash from
Miss Collingwood. She made no re-
ply. and the game went on. My own
game had opened auspiciously, and
fortune continued to favor me. Miss
Hoyle in volleying close to the net
sent the ball against Miss Colling-
woods nose. The latter dropped her
racket and caught a trickling stream
of blood in her handkerchief.
''You did that on purpose" she cried,
casting a flashing glance at Miss
Hoyle.
"You flatter me- If / could hit
mark like that I'd enter for cham
pionship," replied Miss Hoyle.
Miss Collingwood was getting ready
for a rejoinder when l added to her
ruffiing by asking If she would pro-
ceed with the game.
81 don't think she'd better" Miss
Hoyle put in, with that nose. It'll be
all the colors of the rainbow tomor
row. My advice is raw beef"
"Some people are offensive with
their advice" snapped the sufferer.
Pleasure had gone out of the game
for Alec. He proposed to stop playing.
Miss Collingwood started for the house
to put cold water on her nose. Alec.
Instead of accompanying her, found
occupation in gathering the balls and
rackets. | whispered to him to take
Miss Hoyle home She smilingy ac-
cepted his invitation. AS the two
walked away Miss Colllngwood turned
and dartcd fiery spark. saw her
home, adding fuel TO the flame by tell
ing her that / thought Miss Hoyle had
sent the ball against her nose on pur-
pose and was trying to catch Alec.
l supposed that | had only made
beginning, but | was mistaken. When
A lnn and n,,nt crn in hn cnn fnrcnd 10,