The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1912-04-12
A Diplo mofic
Benz.
Observation-Disclosures
BY EDWARD S. sPINNEY.


was tutoring a youth of nineteen.
had a fancy TO go abroad in the
diplomatic corps, but as 1 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 1t was
my part TO get him ready as soon as
possible. His father, after turning
him over TO me, went to Europe. Be
fore leaving he gave me a single in
struction-viz:
Don't let any woman snare him
while | am away"
! l made companion Of Alec, and he
seemed to enjoy my society in prefer
ence to that of young fellows of his
OVID age. He gave me his confidence
In everything but one 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 l 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. l warned the house
keeper not to divulge the fact that
knew of what was going on. If 1
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 | knew
though reluctantly. l was introduced
to Miss Martha Collingwood, aged
twenty-eight, impecunious, passably
good looking and of a common family.
I 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
bis home and even offered II We could
! find Another girl to make up a set with
them myself / had IN mind Miss
HGladSs 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 wilf-turn man from
a woman quicker than a feminine fight,
I 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
hsS9crimmage. =
WSkcQred Miss Hoyle, and chose
hea my partner. Miss Collingwood
openedF the game, serving to me. I
sent the sball back, and she returned
it. 1t dropped Just within the line. but
I pronounced 1t 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 I saw some.
thing an1iss with yours. It's quite
noticeable"
There was an omincus dash from
Miss Collingwood. She made no re.
ply, aud the game went on. Ny 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 fatter me II 1 could hit a
mark like that I'd enter for a cham
pionship," replied Miss Hoyle.
Miss Collingwood was getting ready
for a rejoinder when 1. added to her
ruffling by asking IL she would pro-
coed with the game.
ST 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. l whispered to mn TO take |
Miss Hoyle home She smilingly ac-
cepted his invitation. AS the two |
walked away Miss Collingwood turned |
and darted a fiery spark. l 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 1 had only made
beginning. but l was mistaken. When |
Alec and met again be confessed TO |
me that there had been an affair be- /
tween him and Miss Collingwood Cat /.
which l expressed great surprise), but /
that 1t was ended. l kindly offered to |
give him my advice as 10 the best /!
method Of dropping 1t. The illusion
had passed out Of him, and nothing |