Loraine! Hi!"

"Vantage in," cried his pretty wife, dashing a stray lock from her
eyes.

Mr. King's astonishment was genuine. It might better have been
pronounced bewilderment. Mr. Blithers was paying his first visit to
Red Roof. Up to this minute it is doubtful if he ever had accorded it
so much as a glance of interest in passing. He bowed to King
occasionally at the station, but that was all.

But now his manner was exceedingly friendly as he advanced upon the
group. One might have been pardoned for believing him to be a most
intimate friend of the family and given to constantly dropping in at
any and all hours of the day.

The game was promptly interrupted. It would not be far from wrong to
say that Mrs. King's pretty mouth was open not entirely as an aid to
breathing. She couldn't believe her eyes as she slowly abandoned her
court and came forward to meet their advancing visitor.

"Take my racket, dear," she said to one of the Peltons, It happened
to be Fannie and the poor child almost fainted with joy.

The Prince remained in the far court, idly twirling his racket.

"Afternoon, King," said Mr. Blithers, doffing his panama--to fan a
heated brow. "Been watching the game from the road for a spell. Out
for a stroll. Couldn't resist running in for a minute. You play a
beautiful game, Mrs. King. How do you do! Pretty hot work though,