Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-29
THE FORTUNATE WAYFARER
By E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
'PS OPPENHEIM

"It is customary, Miss Lowell" she
said. ito allow your hostess some aH-
erection in she arranging OF sets. You
have been playing all the afternoon, ana
think that you had better rest LOT
little time Servel"
Martin, nervous and fiustered. starred
badly but, helped by his partners IN
difference to the result ana her own
brilliant play. quickly recovered NM
self. They won the set, 6-3.
I'VE will play you again from the other
side" Blanche proposed, unless you're
tired, in which case we'll find some
other victims It's my partners f1rst
set and he is improving every minute;
You are too strong for us" Philip
son grumbled. good-naturedly, but wen
play the return, of course"
Blanche and Martin won again-this
time with even greater ease. Afterwaro,
the former deliberately thrust her arm
| through her partners and LED him 10
the table under the trees, where most
| of the young people were gathered.
How I hate these afternoon drinks!"
| she sighed. You're all right, Martin.
| There's whisky and soda with lump
| of ice in it for you. An orange squash
| for me. Mallowes. Gerald" she added,
| looking across to where he was bend
| ing over Laurita, come and talk TO
Mr. Barnes"
! There were a few more introduce
tons and every one was very civil.
Lady Blanche was young person who
| ruled the world of which she was the
principal star with a certain amount Of
rigor, and her attitude toward Martin
was unmistakable.
what about the cricket, Gerald?"
she inquired
An fixed up was the cheerful reply.
They're coming over pretty strong, but
We haven't bad team"
Let me look at the list" Blanche
begged, holding out her hand.
He produced a slip of paper from
his pocket and handed IL to her
You have several down here who are
not staying in the house" she remarked.
Cant help that Holman, Weston
and Dickinson must all sleep the night
so as to qualify"
BY the bye. don't you play cricket.
Mr.. Barnes?" Blanche asked, turning
toward him?
Yes, after fashion"
Then. of course, you must play in
the match" she declared. MI Barnes
has been staying in the house of and
on for two months, Gerald. OF course
he must play before these others"
"Devilish awkward" Gerald objected,
frowning. You see. I've asked them
now"
1T doesn't matter about me at all"
Martin interviewed, especially as I'm
probably leaving tomorrow"
Nothing of the Sort" Blanche In
sisted lighting cigarette. You're play
ing in the cricket match
think I should leave weston out, If I
we're you" she added, turning 70 Gerald
Hes disagreeable boy"
/ What club do you play for, Mr.
Barnes?" Gerald inquired grudgingly.
The Bermondsey Wanderers" vas
the laconic reply.
There was a CLEAN of delight in
Blanche's eyes. Gerald seemed a little
taken aback
Cant say that I know the club. I"
he remarked. "or its standing. but I
really don't see how We can chuck
Weston"
Well. you're going to-" Blanche de-
clared firmly.
Please don't consider me-" Martin
begged. Il haven't the faintest desire
to play
! TT is / who insist" Blanche said
sweetly but firmly. Don't let there
be any mistake about it. Gerald, Mr..
Barnes plays tomorrow Whenever you
leave out
IAN right" Gerald yielded ungra-
ciously. I'll so and let Weston know. Z"
He Strolled away and was presently
surrounded by little crowd to whom
he recited his grievance Lady Blanche
watched him with a froWn
You won't back out, Martin" she
insisted
II certainly will not" he promised
grimly. IN stay over tomorrow, II its
only to play in the match