The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1912-06-21
A Diplomatic
Benz.

BY EDWARD S. SPINNEY.

4 Cid
! ] was tutoring a youth of nineteen.
had a fancy 10 20 abroad In the
diplomatic corps, but as | had no in
fuence 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 l am away"
| made a companion of Alec. and be
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 /
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 l knew
nothing OF their affair. consented,
though reluctantly. l was introduced
TO Miss Martha Collingwood, aged
twenty-eight, impecunious, pasSably
good looking and OF common family
| called on her with Alec and during
the call manifested 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. | 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
q woman quicker than n 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
the scrimmage.
We secured Miss Hoyle, and I chose
henfor' my partner. Miss Collingwood |
opened the game. serving to me. I
sent the ball back, and she returned i
1t. 1t dropped just within the line. but
pronounced 1t foul.
THAT wasn't foul" said Miss Col.
lingwood.
/ looked at my partner for support.
certainly 1t 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
hing amiss with yours. It's quite
noticeable"
There was an ominous fsah 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
aoyle I'm volleying close To the net
tent the ball against Miss Coling-
woods nose. The latter dropped her
'acket and caught tricllng stream
" blood In her handkerchief.
You did that on purpose" she cried
'asting flashing glance Mt Miss
Ioyle.
You flatter me. If could hit
mark like that I'd enter for cham.
'ionship," replied Miss Hoyle
Miss Colllngwood was getting ready
or n reJoinder when | added TO her
uflling by asking II she would pro.
ecd with the game.
II don't think she'd better" Miss
Ioyle put in, with that nose. It'll be
II the colors of the rainbow tomor.
ow. My advice is raw beef"
Some people are offensive with
heir advice snapped the sufferer.
Pleasure had gone out OF the game
or Alec. lie proposed TO step playing.
Hiss Collingwood started for the house =
, put cold water on her nose. Alec,
lstead OF accompanying her, found
ccupation in gathering the balls and
lckets | whispered to him to take
fiss lIoyle home. She smilingly ac-
epted his invitation. AS the two
'alked away Miss Collingwood turned
nd dartcd fiery spark. saw her
ONE. adding fuel To the flame by tell.
X her that thought Miss Hoyle had
ent the ball against her nose on pur-
ose and was trying 10 catch Alec.
| supposed that | had only made n
eginning, out | was mistaken. When
lee and | met again he confessed TO
lc that there had been an affair be-
veen him and Miss Collingwood (at
hich | expressed great surprlse). bur
Int 1t was ended. l kindly offered 10
I've him my advice as to the best
ethod OF dropping It. The Illusion