ght. "It
is so horrid to be saving up one pair, and having to wear such old
things for driving and whisk them off just before I get to a place and
put on the good ones. And a handsome parasol would be so nice. I don't
think I'll take this old thing. I don't really need one to-day. I wonder
where the children are. I ought to look them up, I suppose, but they are
all right, somewhere, and it is getting late. After all, why should I
always be the one to run after those children?"

And then she drove away to Brenton, leaving housekeeping cares behind
her, and prepared for a pleasant afternoon.

About half a dozen boys and girls had already arrived at the Morgans'
when Edith drove in. It was a fine old house standing far back from the
road, and surrounded with shady grounds. The river was at the back. A
smooth and well-kept tennis-court was on the left of the drive as one
approached the house, and here the guests were assembled.

"Oh, here's Edith Franklin at last!" cried Gertrude Morgan, while her
brother went forward, and, after helping Edith to alight, took her horse
and drove down to the stable.

Presently all the tongues were buzzing, each one suggesting what he or
she considered the very best plan for holding a tournament. It was
finally arranged to have it at the tennis club rather than at the
Morgans', as had at first been thought best, and it would be open to all
the comers who had reached the age of fourteen.

"That is very young," said Gertrude, "but we really ought to have it
open to Cynthia Franklin. She is one of the best players in Brenton."

"By all means," said her brother, who was always on the side of the
Franklins, "and, Edith, you'll play with me, won't you, in mixed
doubles?"

"Oh, I don't play well enough!" exclaimed Edith. "Thank you ever so
much, Dennis, but you had better ask some one else. I don't think I'll
play."

Every one objected to this, but it was finally settled that Edith should
act as one of the hostesses for the important occasion, which was
greatly to her satisfaction. She rather enjoyed moving slowly and
gracefully about, pouring tea and lemonade, and handing it to the poor,
heated players, who were obliged to work so hard for their fun.

They were startled by the sound of the clock on the church across the
road. It struck six, and Edith rose in haste.

"I must go," she said. "I had no idea it was so late! Those children
have probably gotten into all kinds of mischief while