Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/82

 The clever men, those who wrote books and painted pictures, if they found themselves in her company, were invariably drawn toward her. She numbered a poet, two journalists, and a marine painter among her winter's conquests.

Tennis was one of her favorite amusements, and when her English acquaintance appeared, in accordance with her permission, at twelve o'clock on the morning after the polo match, he found her dressed for the game. A long practice followed, at the end of which Miss Carleton acknowledged her indebtedness to Mr. Larkington for several points.

"What can I teach you in return for your excellent coaching, Mr. Larkington?" asked Gladys, as they sat on the veranda after lunch. The young man was silent, and absently rolled himself a cigarette, using one hand in the operation, à l'Espagnol.

"You are silent. Does that mean that I cannot teach you anything? Well,