The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1917-03-23
"A DipIo mmic
Benz.

BY EDWARD S. sPINNEY.

BY EDWARD S. SPlNNEY.
fCopyright. 1909. by American Press Asso
claeon.l
was tutoring a youth Of nineteen.
I had a fancy to &c abroad In the
diplomatic corps, but as l had no in
fuence to secure an appointment
kept my ambition to myself. My pupil
Alec Kirk, should have been ready fol-
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 q single In
struction-viz:
Don't let any woman snare him
while am away"
/ made 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 tel
me. His father had lectured him be-
fore going away on his susceptibility
and told him that I 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
object till l was informed Of both by
the housekeeper. / warned the house
keeper not TO divulge the fact that
knew Of what was going on. II
could save the boy l 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
nothing OF their affair, consented,
though reluctantly. l was introduced
to Miss Martha Coilingwood, aged
twenty-eight, impecunious, passably
good looking and Of common family.
| called Oh her with Alec and during
the call manifested a frfendliness that
disarmed both. But while extending
the olive branch / was sharpening the
sword. / suggested that Miss Collfng-
wood and Alec use the tennis court 81
his home and even offered if We could
find another girl to make up set with
them myself ] had IN mind Miss
GLADYS Koyle, 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 a feminine fight
I hoped to use Miss Hoyle for the pur-
pose OF drawing out whatever Of tenn
per Miss ColIingwood might possess
and Intended that Alec should witness
the sGTiinmage.
WeNecNed Miss Hoyle, and ! chose
her~for smy partner. Miss Collingwood
opened the game, serving to me. ]
sent the SbaH back, and she returned
1t. 1t dropped Just within the line. but
/ pronounced it foul.
THAT wasn't FOUL" said Miss Col
haywood.
looked ah my partner for support
Certainly 1t was" she said
"My eyes mG,st have deceived me-
said Miss ColiingwOod.
"Some people can't play tennis at
all" returned Miss Boyle, ''oa account
Of their eyes I thought saw some.
thing amiss with. yours It's quite
noticeable"
Miss Collingwood. She made no re-
ply, and the game went Oh BY 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 I could bit
mark like that I'd enter for a cham
pionsffap." replied Miss Hoyle.
Miss Collingwood was getting ready
for rejoinder when l added to her
ruflng by asking II she would pro-
coed with the game.
II don't think she'd better" Miss
Hoyle put in, with that nose. TIN 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 tho balls and
rackets. / whispered to him to take
Miss Hoyie home. She smifingly ac-
cepted his invitation. As the two
walked away Miss CoIlingwood turned
and darted a fiery spark. / saw her
home. adding fuel TO the flame by tell
ing her that thought Miss Hoyle had
sent the bah against her nose on pur-
pose and was trying to catch Alec.
l supposed that l had only made a
beginning, but was mistaken. When
Alec and / met again be confessed &c
me that there had been an affair be
tween him and Miss Collingwood (at
which / expressed great surprise), but
that IL was ended. / kindly offered to
give him my advice as TO the best
method OF dropping # The Illusion
had passed out OF him. and nothing