“Thanks,” replied the young man. “I haven’t long to stay.”
“You’ve met Miss Wilkinson, haven’t you, Mr. Hunter?” asked Lily.
“Yes, indeed!” he replied. “And it was for that very reason that I came over. I want to ask you, Miss Wilkinson--” he bowed slightly--“whether you would do me the honor of playing in the tennis tournament with me?”
John Hadley appeared through the screen door just in time to hear this invitation. He stood perfectly still, in amazement at the boldness, the assurance of this young aristocrat. Surely Marjorie would resent such an attitude!
But to his surprise, Marjorie nodded gaily. “I’ll be delighted,” she said. “I made up my mind to accept the first partner who asked me. And really”--she looked shyly at David--“I was beginning to be afraid I’d have to stay out.”
“Then, Lily,” exclaimed Dick, turning to the other girl, “I ask you right now. The early bird--”
“So you mean to imply I’m a worm,” she retorted, haughtily. Then, laughing, “Well, I guess I am when it comes to tennis. You won’t find me much of a partner, Dick.”
“Oh, Jack, what’s the news?” cried Marjorie, suddenly noticing her brother again.
“Dad and mother are still away,” he replied, briefly. “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe I’ll turn in.”
Griffith Hunter was persuaded to join the party and spend the remainder of the evening with them. When he finally left them, and strolled down the driveway towards the gate, he came upon Ruth and Harold, returning from the dance.
“Hello!” he greeted them. “Awfully sorry to have missed you, Miss Henry!”
A moment later she joined the girls on the stairs. “Griffith Hunter was over to see me tonight, wasn’t he?” she remarked to Marjorie. “Too bad I was away. He didn’t stay long, did he?”
“Just long enough to ask me to be his partner in the tennis tournament,” replied Marjorie, with an amused smile.
Wednesday, the day of the canoe meet, had come at last! Marjorie awakened with a sense of anticipation: she was extremely happy. For she was free to take part in the contest!
“Hello, Marj! You awake?” called Doris, from the single bed beside her. “Aren’t you glad it’s clear?”
“I certainly am!” replied the girl; “and I’m glad I’m here.”
“I am too. Oh, Marj, I surely do hope you get that cup!”