A minute more, and Jack skilfully sent Mabel’s ball and then his own against the home stake, and the game was over.
The onlookers crowded up and congratulated the winners, and offered condolence to Patty and Tom. Patty smiled, and responded merrily. She did not try to lay the blame on the unusual shaped wickets, or short, heavy mallets. She declared that the best players had won, and that she was satisfied. And indeed she was.
When she saw the lovely prize that was given to Mabel, she was deeply thankful that she hadn’t won it. It was a white parasol, of silk and chiffon, with a pearl handle. A really exquisite, dainty affair, and just the very thing Mabel had wanted, but couldn’t afford to buy. As for Patty herself, she had several parasols, and so was delighted that Mabel had won.
But though she truly preferred that Mabel should have the prize, she felt a little chagrined at losing the contest, for like all people who are fond of games and sports, Patty loved to win.
These feelings, though, she successfully concealed, and gave Mabel very sincere and loving congratulations. Mr. Stanton’s prize was a pretty scarf pin, and Tom Meredith loudly bewailed his own misfortune in losing this. Though, really, as the tournament was at his own home, he would not have taken the prize had he won it, but would have passed it on to the one with the next highest record.
The victors were cheered and applauded, and were then led in triumph to the pretty tent where tea was being served.
If Patty had had a shadow of regret that she had not been the honoured one, it was lost sight of in her gladness that it fell to Mabel’s lot.
“You’re a plucky one,” said Tom Meredith, who was observing her closely. “You’re a good loser, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know,” said Patty, thoughtfully. “I want to be, but do you know, I just love to win contests or games. And when I lose—I’m ashamed to say it—but I do feel put out.”
“Of course you do! That’s only natural. And that’s why I say you’re a good loser. If you didn’t care tuppence whether you won or not, it wouldn’t be much to your credit to look smiling and pleasant when you lose. But since you do care, a whole lot, you’re a jolly plucky girl to take it so well. Now, what can I get for you? An ice?”