The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-05-22

over she finally reached her place iust
rs a series OF powerful howls and
shouts went UP from the MASSES OF
humanity which completely covered
the many tiers of grandstands and
fbleachers. AZ
Z All fear Of being conspicuous in that
crowd left Eleanor, for she soon saw,
that the islouehings giants on the field
were the ! only individuals who were
being noticed. She discovered Robert
and three other men seated directly
below her few.r rows distant. Some
thing decisive must have happened
on the diamond Just then, for thous.
ands Of enthusiastic young men. and
hundreds Of dignined older ones rose
to their feet and yelled like Conan.
ches. waving their arms wildly. Rob
ert was standing and cheering and
talking excitedly to his companions.
Eleanor felt limp, helpless sensa..
ton. Then she noticed the big black
bulletin board directly opposite her
on the far side Of the field, and she
began to watch the changing numbers
with some interest. She also began
to recall something she had read that
morning in book OF rules purchased
at a news stand. and she determined
to see whether she herself could work
up any OF the enthusiasm which Ammo
Tompkins assumed. Presently a. big
fellow al the bat shocked ball that
shot like great white bullet UP into
the air and then seemed to take its
own time to fall into the eager hands
OF the outfelders at the farthest side
OF the grounds, and while It SCARED
the big fellow ran as II life were the
stake, and the crowds yelled frantical.
ly until he stopped on third base.
Eleanor clenched her hands and sat
tense, as she felt a thrilling SILVER In
her spine and realized for the frs,
time that the yelling fans about her
were not maniacs.
One morning at breakfast, month
later Eleanor was dainty pretty in a
lavender negligee and Robert looked
admiringly at her. 81.
Twill you be my beau today, sir?"
she asked, with smile.
For luncheon? with pleasure,
madam!"' He made an exaggerated
bow. ...
mot for luncheon only" she re.
piled. "but for the whole afternoon"
what Is it? A country club blow.
out? Couldn't we make 1t some other
day? There's a peach of a double.
header to come off this afternoon.
II know 1t, and that's where wan,
you to take me-"
But. Eleanor, dear you'd be bored.
I'm afraid, sitting there for two or
three hours when you know nothing
Of the game"
But do know something Of the
game, for I've been going to the games
and posting myself on points for
whole MONTH" Robert was puzzled
and surprised at her reply. and she
rose and went behind b: chair and
put her arms around his neck. when
] saw that things outside my rather
frivolous interests were the things
that reused your greatest enthusiasm.
! thought I'd better investigate. So
| began with baseball. 1t was your
rain check that set me to thinking
one morning." she explained.
why. how was that?"
1T hGGl become EVIDENT that before
our game OF life together was even
well begun we were getting away
from each other. and 1t struck me that
morning that We must make our we'd.
ding ring sort Of rain chcck-gcod
for new beginnings until the whole
game of life is played. While | am
not particularly proud Of becoming a
baseball fan. l am tremendously
proud that I've come to realize that
we must be interested, together in
many things besides our love for each
other in. order to keep that love alive.
Do you understand, dear?"
Yes. little philosopher" said Rob.
ert. as he drew her down into his
arms. "and I'll not only, be your beau
this afternoon. but Ill be your fellow
fan throughout the game of life"