Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/83

Rh shadows fell aslant upon the dry, cool fields and the fens. Between the willows beyond, as they rustled and stirred with the night breeze, the river slipped shimmering by and seemed to wink and beckon, as the glint from the leaves winked, too, for those shut up in the inn to come out.

But the Americans within only drew closer together and bent more eagerly over their cards.

Young Preston and the girl, who had been playing together, had finished the obligatory game early; and as Mrs. Varris counted the score with the Englishman, who played the fourth hand, the two young people went over and stood in the wide, high window opening upon the lawn.

"Cathedrals by day, and bridge by night. Look at 'em!" Young Preston turned and indicated the crowded tables eloquently. With four women about each board—and sometimes one or two looking on—the tables stretched from the lounge through the parlors, and one, where husbands were playing, invaded 63