JUDITH WINS THE TENNIS CUP
SPRING came early this year and the school spent much time out of doors
during the last term. Many classes were held in the big sun porches and
in the sheltered spots in the grounds, and the various teams were hard
at basket-ball and cricket and tennis, even before breakfast.
It was not so hard now to get up at a quarter to seven, and Judith and
Florence even joined the B.B.B.'s--"Before Breakfast Brigade"--who
pledged themselves to get up in time for a dip in the swimming-pool or a
game before the breakfast-bell rang.
Judith was especially keen about tennis, and she improved her game so
much that, to her surprise and delight, even high and mighty prefects
like Patricia and Catherine were asking her for practice games in
preparation for the House and School Tournaments later on. Catherine was
a very busy person, indeed, just now; she had an important part in the
play given during prize-giving week and she was a member of the Senior
basket-ball team. Judith would never be a basket-ball enthusiast, but
she filled a very respectable position on the Junior team and she could
share in the excitement about the Senior match which was to be played
against Queen's School. Patricia was working her team hard; every spare
hour was devoted to goal practice, and team practice came every day as a
matter of course.
Nancy had much to tell Judith of last year's triumph when Eleanor's
brilliant play had won the coveted trophy for York Hill. This year
Queen's were reported to have a marvellous centre and school gossip held
that the York Hill team would have a hard battle to keep the shield.
Unfortunately, the very day before the match, Helen Burton, a prefect of
West House, slipped and wrenched her knee, so that her playing was out
of the question. She was not their most brilliant player by any means,
but she was steady and used her brains in the game better than most.
Althea Somerset was put in as a substitute, but it was disconcerting to
lose a tried warrior before the fight began.
Nancy was a timekeeper, and on the day of the match Judith took her
stand beside her with the lemons for the refreshment of the teams. The
whole School had lined the campus to watch the game; at one end were a
group of Old Girls and the staff; near by was a splash of scarlet
marking the visitors from Queen's School. Judith, watching the trim
figures of the players line up, Queen's with scarlet ties and bands,
York Hill with gold ties, felt a sudden rush of loyalty at the sight of
her own well-loved prefects.
"They must win--they must--there can't be a doubt of it," said Judith to
herself.
The much-talked-of Queen's centre was as wonderful as gossip had
reported. She seemed like a veritable spider, all arms and legs; try as
she would Althea could not prevent her getting the ball. And there was a
fair-haired girl--Pamela by name--who was the best shot Judith had ever
seen.
The score mounted rapidly for Queen's and at half-time, when Judith
distributed her slices of lemon, things looked rather dark for York
Hill.
But Patricia had been using her brains while she played, and Judith and
Nancy ministering to the team heard her final injunctions.
"We'll beat 'em yet. Watch that right centre and Pamela Price on the
left guard; they're both dandy shots, and they both want a chance to
show off. Mark my words, we'll get some fine shots the last half. Their
weak point is team-work, and I'm glad to say we're playing
together--watch your passing--we're bound to win!"
Judith and Nancy went back to their posts in a state of great
excitement. There was an infectious courage and cheeriness about
Patricia's words. Certainly Queen's had five points to their favour, but
just as certainly York Hill would win!
Up went the ball again and up went the spider-like centre's long arms,
and away went the coveted ball in the wrong direction. Judith's heart
sank--this half was going to be just like the other--how terrible!
Thirteen-eight--Fourteen-eight.
The whistle blew. Judith couldn't see what had happened, but evidently
there had been a foul, for Catherine had a free throw.
York Hill let themselves go for a minute. Good for Cathy! Seconds were
precious now and the play was swift.
Again the whistle.
This time Patricia took the ball.
York Hill held its breath.
Fourteen-ten.
Nothing succeeds like success!
The York Hill team quickened and became tense during those last few
seconds like a great orchestra for the finale of a symphony, in answer
to the conductor's baton. Patricia felt a thrill of pride. How
magnificently the team was responding--they were playing like one
person--and that person meant to win--there could be no doubt of it.
"Fifteen-fifteen," said the umpire calmly.
Judith standing quietly beside Nancy wanted to shriek and shout like a
young savage--"We're going to beat you! We're going to beat you--yah!"
Fifteen-seventeen! Good for Althea!
Ah, Pamela Price has scored!
"Good play," said York, generously applauding a neat shot.
Seventeen-all--and a minute more to play!
Althea has the ball--no, there it is--Patricia's got it--
That must be Pamela again--no, Catherine has it!
Catherine poised herself and threw.
A soft sighing sound from hundreds of lips marked the safe arrival of
the ball in the basket, and then spontaneous cheering drowned the
umpire's voice.
York Hill had the cup for another year!
* * * * *
The cheering over, the teams departed for afternoon tea, and the
audience, breaking up into little groups, settled down to a discussion
of the points of the game.
"They've certainly a dandy centre, and that fair girl was a great
shot--but wasn't Cathy gorgeous! If we'd only had another two
minutes--one minute--we'd have beaten 'em all hollow."
"Wasn't our team-work simply splendid?" gloated Judith. "I should think
Patricia would be awfully proud. By the way, that reminds me--Patricia
said I must play off in the House Tournament to-morrow afternoon. Come
on over to the tennis court. I'll play you two--I've got a new serve I
want to try. Oh, dear! I wish there weren't any exams this term; I'd
like to play the whole time."
Next day when Judith looked at the tournament lists she was astonished
to find that she was to play against Catherine. Catherine for the last
two years had been South's choice to play in the School Tournament, and
although she had been beaten by Nelly Smith of West last year, it was
pretty generally conceded that she would win in the preliminary House
Tournament and play again in the finals.
"Rather rough on me to have to play against a champion," laughed Judith
as they tossed for counts a little later, "but I'm going to give you a
hard fight, Cathy, see if I don't."
Perhaps it was the spirit of the blue and golden May day, cool enough to
be pleasant, warm enough to be a joy, or the little breeze which came
floating across the campus carrying an intoxicating scent of lilacs, but
whatever the reason, some sprite seemed to have taken possession of
Judith, and she threw herself into the game with such enthusiasm, such
abandon, such elfin-like nimbleness that Catherine couldn't touch her
balls.
There was not a large audience, for cricket and swimming claimed many,
but the crew of the "Jolly Susan" were there, you may be sure, and most
of South House, for it had been whispered about that Judith's game was
worth watching.
"Well played," said Eleanor heartily, as Florence called out the score.
"Game and set in Judith's favour! You've improved your game
tremendously, Judy."
"Thanks, Judy," said Catherine; "hardly a good fight, I'm afraid, rather
a good beating." Try as she did to keep it out there was a little
coldness in Catherine's voice. She was tired after yesterday's match,
and it wasn't particularly pleasant to be beaten by a youngster after
she had been champion for South for two years.
Judith's quick ears had caught the note of coldness, and her gay spirits
deserted her instantly. What did winning a game matter if Catherine were
displeased with her! She was almost angry with Nancy, who remarked
gleefully after Catherine had gone, "You're almost sure to be chosen to
play for the House now, Judy, dear. What tremendous luck!"
Judith wouldn't hear of it, and when a little later Eleanor told her
that she was the choice of the Committee she begged to be let off.
"It really wasn't fair," she protested. "Cathy was awfully tired and not
in good form, and I was feeling tip-top. I'd hate to take her place."
But Eleanor was firm. "Catherine," she said, "is not playing so
well--she's had too many irons in the fire, so we'll look to you to win
for South. Patricia says she'll take you for fifteen minutes every
morning before breakfast. Your net play needs a little steadying--get in
as much practice as you can before the tournament."
Eleanor's word was final, and of course it was gratifying to be chosen,
but Judith's pleasure was spoilt by her fear that Catherine was hurt and
would never be friends with her again. That night at visiting hour she
knocked at Catherine's door with the resolve to tell her in some way or
other that she was sorry. She didn't know quite how it was to be done,
because she might only make matters worse. But instead of Catherine's
usual cheerful "Come in," a preoccupied voice said, "Who's there?" and
to Judith's answer, replied, "Will another time do, Judy? I'm awfully
busy."
Judith went off disconsolately, and when she did try to express her
regret at being chosen in place of Catherine, her endeavours, as she
feared, were not a success. Catherine merely said that of course she was
glad Judith was to play, but again her voice was cold.
"Cathy doesn't really mean it," protested Nancy, in whom Judith
confided. "She's just busy with the play--you know she's to be the
heroine--and she's writing on her diploma examination too. Cheer up,
Judy, don't look so like an owl."
Judith refused to be comforted; the honour of the House meant less to
her than the friendship of Catherine whom she had adored from the first
day she entered York Hill. However, she practiced hard--Patricia saw to
that--and when Tournament Day came she had profited not a little by the
week's coaching.
But Patricia was worried. True, Judith's serve had improved, but she
lacked the nerve and spirit which had made her playing so irresistible
in the House match, and Nelly Smith was an old hand at the game.
The great day came. Surely Catherine would wish her luck, and while
Judith put on a fresh white skirt and blouse and made her hair as trim
as possible, she listened for the sound of Catherine's footsteps--but no
Catherine came, and Judith went off to the match with a heavy heart.
The central courts were lined with spectators, and as they tossed for
courts Judith realized that this was an occasion. The cup was to go for
a year to the winner of this one match, for Nelly Smith had already
beaten Althea Somerset of North, and East, being largely a Junior House,
had no representative.
Over by the umpire's stand Judith could see the crew of the "Jolly
Susan"--Nancy's pretty golden head and Josephine's untidy red one. Jane
seemed to be holding a flag--yes, it must be the "Susan's" flag. If only
Catherine--!
Nelly had the first serve, and the white balls began to fly back and
forth. Nelly won her serve and then Judith hers. It was steady,
interesting playing. They were well matched. But Judith's mind was only
half on her game, for while with one half of her brain she countered
Nelly's tactics, the other half was still occupied with Catherine and
the possibility of losing Catherine's friendship if she won the game.
Suddenly in a flash Judith saw a solution. Supposing she didn't win--and
of course she mightn't--Nelly was no mean rival--would Catherine restore
her to friendship? Supposing she didn't try her very hardest?
Judith's thoughts were centred on Catherine and the full dishonour of
what she was contemplating did not occur to her. She only knew that
nothing seemed to matter if she lost Catherine. Nancy, meanwhile, who
surmised what was troubling Judith, was watching her anxiously, and
because she knew her so well she saw that Judith was not putting her
whole self into the game, although she had won the first set by a very
narrow margin. Nelly's score was climbing steadily now--five-three,
five-four.
"Game and set to Nelly Smith," called the umpire as the players changed
courts, and when Nelly stooped to tighten a shoelace, Nancy made a quick
decision and whispered in Catherine's ear:
"Judy's nervous, Cathy; please say something to cheer her up the way you
did at the play."
The colour deepened ever so slightly in Catherine's cheeks, for she had
been mentally shaking herself that she had not been more generous to
Judy, so she was quick to seize her opportunity as Judith passed.
"Good for you, Judibus--you're certain to win--you're doing splendidly.
Remember we're trusting ourselves to you--but we're sure of the cup--you
_can_ play!"
Catherine's old self, all the coldness gone, spoke in the words.
They seemed to be magic words, for a miracle happened then and there.
Nelly fought hard and it was a battle worth watching, but Judith was
quite certain now that she would win. Nelly really hadn't a chance
against some one who suddenly realized that she had not been answering
up to the trust her friends had given her; some one who saw herself
restored to the favour she coveted; some one who knew now that it didn't
matter a bit whether she lost or won as long as she did her very best;
some one who was suddenly walking on air, whose eyes and cheeks were
glowing with joy, and whose feet and wits seemed so nimble that strategy
and tactics were blown to the winds.
The last set went rapidly, and it seemed afterwards to Judith only a few
exhilarating moments until the umpire was announcing, "Game and set in
favour of Judith Benson," and three cheers were being given for her and
three cheers for South. South House had the cup back again!
Judith had just sufficient presence of mind left to shake hands with
Nelly and thank her for the game, and then she was in the midst of a
happy throng of Southerners who shouted congratulations and told her she
was a brick, and a wonder, and a credit to the House.
Invitations for tea at the tuck shop poured in thick and fast, but
Catherine answered for her:
"Not a bit of it; she belongs to the 'Jolly Susan' _first_ of all, and
we've a spread of ship's rations in my room all ready for the occasion."
Judith looked so radiant at the party that Sally May, who always knew
the latest bit of gossip, said disappointedly,
"I suppose you know about Miss Ashwell, Judy?"
"What about her?" said Judith eagerly. "Is she--?"
"Yes, she--is--engaged! It's frightfully exciting--some of the girls saw
her ring this afternoon, and she said yes she was, and what _do_ you
think?" Sally May paused dramatically.
"Well--?"
"She's going to be married in prize-giving week because the Major is
going back to France--and Miss Meredith is giving her a school
wedding--only all the Old Girls are going to be there--so they're not
sure whether we'll be invited."
Sally May paused for breath.
Here was room for discussion, indeed. A wedding! A York Hill wedding!
And their own Miss Ashwell! Surely they would be invited!
Field Day proved another exciting topic--they all decided to enter the
suitcase race and provide some merriment for the School by the costumes
they would produce. The party broke up reluctantly to dress for dinner.
But Catherine managed to detain Judith for a moment and say in an
undertone:
"I've been horrid lately, Judy--too busy with the play to be decent. I
suppose you're getting busy, too, on the Properties Committee; but I
wonder if you could spare time to hear me my part to-night?"
Could she?