But Nan was smiling again gayly.
On her toes she danced back to her end of the court, taking her position about eight feet back of the net and to the right. For Nan was essentially a net player; although she had been known, in doubles with a partner who was also a net player, to cover the line with great success.
Now, however, she chose the more familiar position, for she was determined to beat Kate Speed.
"All right, Kate!"' she cried, swinging her racket. "First serve yours!"
"She's foolish," cried Jo. "Here she starts with the sun full in her eyes and gives Speedy Kate first serve."
She half rose to her feet as though to remonstrate with Nan, but Sadie pulled her back again.
"Let her alone," she cried. "Nan knows what she's doing."
"Let's hope so!" muttered Jo, and, frowning, sat back on her heels to watch the play.
Kate Speed accepted the generosity of her adversary without protest—as the Kate Speeds of this world will always accept as their right any advantage offered them.
Nan waited, alert, half-turned from the net, both feet planted firmly on the ground, her racket ready.