The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-03-30
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
HER FIRST TROPHY.
A Story.
BY j. LUDLUM LEE.


She knew il and admitted it. On warm
mornings she preferred a rocking
chair on the piazza to any outdoor
sport But Harriet at "a was taking
on flesh, and the specialist whom she
consulted said: PLAY golf, take long
walks and eat no rich food" So Har-
riet went in for golf
She had just driven her bali from
the second tea very short and
crooked drive-when a cry from the
bushes reached her ears. She glanced
at her caddy, and, as If having re-
ceiyed silent command, he started
in the direction of the ball Harriet's
face wore a somewhat bored express
sion. Waits between drives were so
long. The caddy returned GREATNESS.
You certainly did swat that gentle
man one, Miss Lake" he announced.
Your ball hit him right on the back
of the hand as he was pulling some
bushes aside looking for his own ball"
Lucky fellow" replied Harriet. Il
wish something would hit me on the
back of my hand so l wouldn't have TO
trail this green every day in the
week."
They had reached the fourth green
when the skies suddenly clouded over
Glad of an excuse to stop, Harriet di-
rected the caddy to take her sticks
back 70 her locker, while she would
cut across lots home for luncheon.
She walked slowly through the old
orchard that adjoined the links and
was startled by the rumbling of thun-
der. Realizing that there was no pro-
lection in sight, she hurried on until
she reached a broad lane that must
lead to a house.
Large drops of rain had begun to
descend. Another clap of terrific thun-
der and Harriet began to run. When
the lightning flashed her ambition and
energy seemed blighted by it. At the
h. end of the lane stood an old barn.
With renewed efforts she started for
its sheltering roof, and, breathless,
reached the door and dashed in.
Her hat had blown off. Her black
hair was falling in tiny ringlets about
her forehead. Her petticoats were
held at ankle length to lend feetness
y her strides. She certainly made a
stunning picture as she stood in the
barn door.
What was that queer noise? 1t might
be horrid rat; but before she had
time to decide she was confronted by
/ tall chap clad in white filannels
Him beg pardon" he began.
Perhaps we are poaching?"
"We? repeated Harriet. Are there
two OF your
We'll, almost" said her compan-
ion THAT is, l am here intact, but
my friend over there is bit damaged
by blow he got on the links. Other
wise he's very decent sort of chap.
We ran in out of the rain, you know, -
he added.
Harriet glanced guiltily in the di-
rection of the friend" who seemed
busy opening a basket
L ran in out of the wet, too" she
answered finally. You don't mind if
l stay until tie lightning stops, do
your
Mind? Well. guess not!" assured
the man. promptly turning host.
Come over and meet my friend, MIR.
Burch, won't you? Billy, here's a lady
come to our feast"
Billy rose and beamed on the unex-
pected guest. He was taking a most
delicious looking lunch from a large
automobile hamper.
Il wish l could shake hands with
you. Miss-Miss-" he stammered.
My name is Lake" supplied Har-
riet.
NnC Qdy, SdlQ CQdp
in white fiannels, its very appro-
prlate"
b shut up. Arthur, will you, and let
Hxn sh my speech" Billy interposed.
"WhatI was saying .whenHhy married
friend, Mr. Ralston, interrupted
considerable emphasis on the word
married) was that / cannot shake
you by the hand owing to the fact that
some clumsy gawk selected me as a
target this morning. Really there
should be law preventing such per-
sons running at large"
Harriet was getting up courage to
confess when Ralston came TO her
rescue
'Why talk about personalities, Bill
ly?" he began, Suppose you ask Miss
Lake to share our repast?"
The three of them sat down, tailor
fashion, on the floor of the old barn
and made inroads on the luncheon
Nothing was wanting. Cold drink in
patent bottles, sandwiches, salads,
strawberries and a jar of cream. Such
feast! And when they had finished
they were old friends.
81 say, Billy, Violet certainly does
put up a fine luncheon" said Ralston.
she's the greatest girl a man ever
found" agreed Billy.
Violet! Who was she? Harriet could
not explain why she felt a touch of
disappointment on finding that Billy"
too, was a married man.
Il guess I'll be running along" said
she, after thanking the men for their
hospitality. "Oh, no. you need not
drive me over in the machine. The
fact is I just live in that big shingled
house beyond this fence" With "a
wave of her hand she was gone, and
the men watched her slip under the
fence and disappear behind the tall
hedge or the other side.