The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1910-02-11
A Dipio mario
Benz.
By EDWARD S. sPINNEY.

I had a fancy 20 20 abroad IN the
diplomatic corps. but as | had no IN
fiuence TO secure an appointment
kept my ambition 20 myself My pupil
Alec Kirk. should have been ready for
college. but he was not. and il was
my part 10 get him ready as soon rs
possible His father. after turning
him over 10 me. went 10 Europe. Be
fore leaving he gave me single in
struction-viz:
"Don't lei any woman snare him
while l am away"
| made n companion OF Alec. and he
seemed 10 enjoy my society in prefer
ence 10 that Of young fellows OF his
own age. lie gave me his confidence
IN everything bur 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 10
forbid his attentions 10 any woman.
Alec not only failed to trust the mat
ter 10 me. but told the woman who was
trying 10 snare him OF my charge She
was smart enough 10 keep aloof from
me. and did not discover her or her
object tin was informed Of both by
the housekecpcr. l warned the house
keeper not 10 divulge 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.
Alcc wished the lady TO win my good
opinion. She. supposing that l knew
nothing II their affair. consented.
though reluctantly. was introduced
10 Miss Martha Collingwood. aged
twenry-cight lmpecunious. passably
good looking and Of a common family.
/ called on her with Alec and during
the call manifested a friendliness that
the olive branch / was sharpening the
sword. | suggested that Miss COlling-
wood and Alec use the tennis court M
his home and even offered If we could
find another girl 10 make up a set with
them myself. | had I'm 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 will turn a 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
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
H. 1t dropped just within the line. but
pronounced II foul
That wasn't foul" said Miss Col
Haywood
i looked at MY partner for support
Certainly ii 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 | thought | saw some
thing amiss with yours It's quite
noticeable"
There was an ominous fash from
Miss Colllngwood. She made no re-
ply and the game went on My own
game had opened auspiciously. and
fortune continued 70 favor me. Miss
Hoyle in volleying close 70 the net
sent the ban 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 fatter me II could hit =
mark Ike that I'd enter for a cham /
replied Miss Hoyle
Miss Collingwood was getting ready I
for a reioinder when added 10 her \
Ruling by asking II she would pro- I
coed with tho game.
Il don't think she'd better" Miss /
Hoyle put In. with that nose. TIN be \
all the colors u the rainbow tomor. /
row. Ny advice is raw beef"
Some people are offensive with I
their advice" snapped the sufferer
Pleasure had gone out OF the game
Tor Alec. lie proposed to stop playing I
Miss CollinCwOod started for the house /
% put cold water on her nose. Alec. /
instead 81 accompanying her. found I
in gathering the balls and /
| whispered to hlm 10 take I
Miss Hoyle home. She smIlinCly nc /
,epted his invitation. AS the two /
walked away Miss CollingwOod turned /
Ind dartcd a fiery spark. saw her 4
nome. adding fuel TO the flame by tell. /
M her that / thought Miss Hoyle had /
sent the ball against her nose on pur- /
pose and was trying 10 catch Alec.
| supposed that had only made a .
beginning. out ! was mistaken. When \
Alec and met again be confessed 20 \
me that there had been an affair be- I
tween him and Miss Collngwood at \
which ! expressed great SURPRISED. but \
that Il was ended kindly offered 10 \
give him my advice as 10 the best
method Of dropping f. The Illusion /
had passed out Of him. and nothing
rould bring n hack
When Mr.. Kirk returned from En-
rope ! made no mention Of his sons
escape. but he learned " II and asked
me about II. told him the story. M
he ord ~ which 10 said