Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-12-31

It was Mary's first experience with a
tennis racquet. and she displayed 81
charming awkwardnesS. They had
neither net nor lines. but what did
they care: Mary had caught eagerly
at the handsome youths suggestion
that she learn Il little about the game.
and he, on his part. was by no means
avcrsc to take the chance to talk 10
her that his tutclage offered.
He Ind been ut Cold Springs farm
for four seasons, and during that time
he had seen Mary grow from shy
youngstcr of fifteen to II charming
creature who might well catch the eye
Of any young man. let alone youth
OF Edgar Clark's discrimination. And
he, in his turn. was not one to he passed
lightly by. Tall, sunbrowncd, hand
some, he WIS n youth TO he looked at
more thnn once. and many muitlcnS OF
his acquaintance had looked ut him
several times. Hut it remained for
Mary to capture his heart-although
he hndn't told her yet. For once in
his life he was afraid.
Not only was he afraid of Mary,
with her bright eyes and rippling brown
hair. hut OF her mother. Mrs. Johnson
had all the conventional suspicion Of
the city man," and though hr had
Strivcn with might and main to make
himself popular with her, he had to
acknowledge that she still regarded
him with nothing more than tolerance
The tennis idea had been an inspira-
ton OH his part; Mary had shown de.
sire to learn the game and he had
been quick to seize the opportunity of
cIrcumventing the maternal supervi-
sion.
Mary. though clumsy at first, showed
q remarkable aptitude for the game,
and Edgar soon found himself regret.
ting thRt there was no regular court
for them to play on. An idea suddenly
presented itself to him.
Mary" he said. why don't you get
your mother to let you come over to
the Country club with me some after
noon and practice7 You are good
enough now to play regular game.
but we have no court here, and want
you to hive the experience Of playing
with the net and lines. What do you
say?"
"Oh. I'm afraid mother never would
let me so. She-tloesn't want me to
be with you SO much"
A blush and averted eyes accompa-
MED these last words.
Edgar's heart leaped. In her admis-
sion that her mother did not approve
Of their companionship he found an in
dication that Mary herself did not al
together disapprove. He pressed his
point.
Perhaps your father would drive us
over" he suggested. Its not very far,
and surely he's as good chaperon as
one could find. Do ask him tonight
and see what he thinks"
Mary waited till after dinner and
then approached her father on the sub.
]ect. What she said and what he said
were never known, but bright and car
ly the next morning the buggy was mt
the door, and a very excited Mary and
secretly thrilled Edgar sat demurely
beside Mr.. JobIah johnson Ms they
started for the Country club.
On the courts Mary blossomed out
into really brilliant player. The lines
bothered her at first, but she soon be.
came accustomed to them. you're q
natural player, Mary" said Edgar.
You play as though you were born
with racket in your hand. Now well
practice for another half hour, and
then have lunch and after lunch I'm
going to play a full set with YOU"
During lunch Mr.. Johnson announced
that he thought he would 60 down to
the village to buy little truck for
your ma rs he put 1t. Mary looked
surprised, but Edgar was secretly de-
lighted. Mr.. johnson departed, prom.
Using to return early.
The set began. Edgar, Of course, had
no difficulty In winning game after
game. and soon the score became Ave.
love in his favor. AS they passed each
other to change courts for the next
game Mary said dcfinntly. "I'm going
TO beat you this game-and you can't
take love set from me-"
"Wen see about that" laughed Ed.
gar, and sent the first ball whistling
into court. Mary returned 1t, and
there was fierce hut brief rally. The
point went to Edgar. He went back
to serve again.
Mary failed to return this ball. and
the score was thirty-lOvc. In the right.
hand court Edgar managed TO take the
next point, too. Mary went back for
her last chance TO save the set. Ed
CARS serve was straight and swift. but
she returned it-a high lob that fell
well back in Edgar's court He bent