"I must go now," she said. "I shall be late for the tournament, and I
am to play with Captain Webb in the doubles. It would not be fair for
me to spoil everything. I--I am very glad and grateful that you told
us."
Mrs. Carmichael gripped the arms of her chair. She saw more than her
husband saw, and there was something in that absolute self-possession
which frightened her.
"Please go with Lois, Mr. Travers," she said sharply, recklessly. "I
do not want her to go that long way alone. I should worry the whole
evening."
"May I, Miss Caruthers?" Travers had turned at last and was looking at
her. "You promised me that I might act as substitute. Do you
remember?" His tone was low, significant, full of a profound feeling
which he knew she would hear and understand.
She took his extended arm and he felt that she clung to him for
support.
"Thank you," she said under her breath.
She went with him to the head of the verandah Steps, blindly obeying
his strong guidance. Then she saw the Colonel's face and suddenly she
laughed lightly, cheerfully, as though nothing in the world had
happened, and her eyes flashed with an unconquerable courage.
"You are not to bother," she called back to him. "I shall play up and
win. I shall come back with all the prizes."
He nodded. He understood and recognized the fighting spirit, and his
admiration kindled and mingled with a biting, cruel grief. He watched
her as she walked proudly erect at Travers' side, and his heart ached.
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