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 aftern