Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-29

The New Order OF Things.
NJ ARTIN changed into tennis
M fiannels took out his racquet
IN from its press and descended
to paw his respects to Lord
Ardrington, The latter well
coined him kindly, but after few words
left him alone TO receive some new ar
rivals Martin turned toward Laurita,
who was seated side by side with Gerald
and some other young people. The few
words vouchsafed him by Gerald were
good humored but casual. Laurlta
greeted him a little impersonally and
avoided meeting his eyes, giving him a
curious impression that for some rea-
son or other his coming was displeas-
ing to her.
you have repented of your abrupt
DEPARTURE" she asked presently, rails
inc her eyes for the first time to his.
Haven't l proved 1t by coming
back" he rejoined.
She smiled meaningly.
ITO come back" she said, turning
away to her companion, lis never the
same thing"
Martin wandered on. Blanche was
playing tennis; there was no one else
whom he knew, and they all seemed to
be speaking a language which was still
strange to him. Finally he found a
seat out of sight from the lawn behind
a great yew shrub and, lighting a pipe,
settled himself down in a corner, his
unused racquet by his side, his eyes
fixed gloomily upon the distant gar
dens. He had been there for an hour
or more when Blanche, catching sight
Of him on her way out of the house,
came over and sank into the seat by
MS side,
Well, what are you doing here all
BIZ YOURSELF" she asked.
"Sulking." he admitted frankly.
She leaned back with little laugh
Look at me-" she insisted.
He obeyed reluctantly, yet, as he was
forced to admit. she was very we'll worth
looking at in her spotless white silk
Jumper healthily open at the neck. her
beautifully cut white flannel tennis
skirt. her white silk stockings and I'M
maCulate shoes. He was beginning to
take notice of such things. and he real
lied that she was the last word in ele-
giant athleticism. Yet toward her. too
as toward those others, there seemed to
be smoldering in him some sort OF
resentment.
Well" she demanded. what's wrong
Martin?"
Despite his ill-humor, the kindness
of her question pleased him.
"Everything's wrong. Lady Blanche,
he confided with a strange impulse oil
peevishness. These people all seem to
remind me by their very existence-the
way they talk and everything--that
am outside their world. / thought was
getting on very well when I was down
here with you people alone. Now
don't belong and I never shall, and I'm
SICK Of trying"
Have you been alone all the after
noon?"
Il Just spoke to Laurita and Mr.
Gsrnham ! didn't know any one else. y
You haven't played tennis at alp
No"
And why note"
Nobody asked me" he pointed out
They are all intimate. They all like
playing together. and they make sets
up among themselves Why should they
ask an outsider? watched them for
time Then came here to have a
pipe and think 1t out"
1T was very thoughtless of me" she
confessed II ought TO have remem-
bcred that you didn't know all these
people and started YOU Oft in a set
VIII you play with me next time?"
Why SHOULD you bother with me?'
he rejoined 4 little bitterly. There are
all sorts of more attractive people here. >
She laughed at him tolerantly.
Aren't you rather a baby?"
Il suppose / am he admitted Il
can't help it. I'll stick it out somehow