Mr. Caulfield, who helped Helena to arrange the game, now struck his "mallet," as Mr. Earnscliffe had named it, three times on one of the balls in order to attract attention; and called out, "Who will play? Will you, Mrs. Penton?"
"Not just yet. I will sit down and look on for the present; later, perhaps, I may take a turn."
"Then the players are, the Misses Elton, Miss Adair, Penton, Mainwaring, Elton?"
"Nay," interrupted Charles, "I am quite unable to play to-day."
"Mr. Earnscliffe?" continued Mr. Caulfield, inquiringly.
"I know nothing of the game, and I should not like to make my first essay among such proficients as, I presume, you all are."
"Then there only remains my humble self to make up the party. Now for the division; you ladies should draw lots for choosing sides."
"I dare say Flora is as willing as I am to yield this to Helena," said Mary. "If so, we need not take the trouble of drawing lots."
Flora smiled assent, when Helena exclaimed, "Very green of you both. However, it is your affair, not mine; and as I am decidedly the gainer by it, I ought not to object. First, then, I choose Flora; secondly, Mr. Mainwaring. I leave Mary to manage Mr. Penton and Mr. Caulfield; no easy matter, I can answer for it, with regard to the latter gentleman."