The Meadow-Brook Girls on the Tennis Courts; Or, Winning Out in the Big Tournament

et, Sam among the number, and danced and sang as they sw

e practised for a few weeks. We shall be bett

ng to win," cried Dill, ex

o," returned H

as 'save your congratulations,'" advised Billy. "We'll congratulate

the day; they couldn't see the ball," answered George. "To-morrow, too,

somewhere when the serving and the volleying are going on. Once is enough for me, es

l agree that we have several things to think over between now an

er shook ha

that you could do it if you would, but I had almost given up all hope that you'd try. I might have known yo

made no reply to t

or nose at its best, I know, but it's the only one I have and I couldn't get along very well withou

nnis tournament. After the sound of their voices had died away, Harriet sat down by the fire, and, clasping her hands about her

u planned it all out?"

big thing I have promised to do, and I shall need the help and encouragem

htickth!" sc

ant factor," reminded Miss Elting; "t

t the consent of each girl's parents as soo

ardian

s a game of skill requiring years to make one proficient, and how you can exp

laughed

. That no one else could hope to accomplish this thing is the very reason why I ha

ou think you will," e

. Otherwise I s

The general trend of the conversation was that the Meadow-Brook Girls stood not even a ghost of a chance to win anything in the tournament. They would be fortunate if, after the first set, they were not barred from further participation. Harriet had already expressed her opinion and from

ls were ready for them, with the morning work all cleared away and Harriet

orge glowingly. "I told the bo

eeted Harriet. "How is your

breakfast was spoiled for me because I couldn't get the odor of the bacon

was going to suggest that you boys play a game of tennis while we

you play a set with

ough I am but an i

handle a racquet

me to lose. Every minute is precious

han his opponent. The girls were enthusiastic, the boys sitting on the side lines offering suggestions to both players from time to time. Harriet Burrell never

ighting him every inch of the way. While her playing was good, it was not what might

No? Who else wishes to put him

m. "Any other kind would win the g

going to try to defend the Mea

ry a set with me this m

her, gave her such advice as he was able, regar

Harriet made. Was not she going to play in the tournament? Harriet worked hard, worked until the beads of perspiration stood out on her forehead, but she w

lared Sam very frankly. "You couldn

all be champions the first day we stand be

riet brightly. "Instead of discouraging me, it m

eeks to learn in

an to teach her

ture. The ladies will please give their attention while I explain a few of the terms. A 'volley,' as you know, is hitting the ball before it touches the ground. The

but did not inte

ou, the ball must hit the ground before being returned. The latter stroke is called a 'ground stroke.' There are some other fancy stroke

understand how the scori

ake a game unless the score is tied at three points each, wh

hey scored?" i

points. Love-all, fifteen-all, thirty-all are called when the score is even, each side having nothing or one or two points, as the case may be. At forty-all the score is called '

u make my head thw

nd deuce until one side secures two poin

e score is tied at five-all, when deuce-and-advantage games are generally played, the score

gery. "I never, never can ge

at," retorted Tommy. "You kn

talk about it, he'd be the champion pla

me that had marked Harriet Burrell's exhibition. One after another took her place on the service line, over and over again, this continuing all through the forenoon until half-past eleven, when George announced that they m

He did not speak a word to his companions,

think of it?" deman

hopeless!" groaned Captain George. "Did

" agreed Dill

ny show to win any of the prizes i

cle they are making of themselves trying to play. But they're plucky. We all knew they were. They will keep on fighting, and in the end we sha

how to play, things might be different," declared S

know how to play tennis fully as well as you do. It's hopeless, though. I wonder why Fre

oposed this surprise, he who had urged upon the boys the purchase of the tennis outfit, so he received no sympathy from them. But to their cre

He remained in the woods until long after the boys ha

back for practi

the afternoon was destined to bring with it a surprise that set t