“I suppose you’ve all read the schedule,” said Mr. Andrews, when they were seated around the table. “Mrs. Andrews pulled the names out at random, so there can be no dissatisfaction.
“Now would you consider it too strenuous a program to play off the first match this morning, and then report at luncheon? I think it would be interesting to have the winning girl announce the victory in each case.”
“And then if we beat, do we have to play the next match after luncheon?” asked Ruth.
“That is to be just as you wish,” replied the host. “Or you may leave it till Friday morning.”
The meal was eaten amid a confusion of questions and answers, everyone asking everyone else whom they played first, and instantly forgetting the answer.
“I wish we could begin right after breakfast,” said Ruth. “I hate to waste time digesting a meal!”
“Aren’t we lucky that it is clear?” observed Jack. “Another day of suspense would be agony.”
As soon as breakfast was concluded all the young people, except Ruth and Jack, established themselves on the porch. But this energetic couple were so restless that, in order to pass the time more quickly, Jack suggested a walk to the garage to see how the repairs on Harold’s car were progressing.
“Do you think we stand a chance of winning?” asked Ruth as they made their way along the winding drive. “I don’t mean the first round—but the finals!”
“I don’t know,” replied her companion. “I’ve never seen lots of those people play.”