THE SUPREME EVENT. 
461 
UPTURNED THEM, SMILING. THE CROWD HOWLED ITSELF HOARSE WHEN SHE CAPTURED THE THIRD 
BEEN CALLED NINE TIMES.” 
Mabel - God bless her — would make the most 
delightful mother. She had good sense, 
good temper, good health. What attributes 
for a potential matron ! 
Tier antagonist provoked comparisons and 
uneasy speculations. Mrs. Higginbotham 
was an ex - champion, one of the old 
Wimbledon Guard. Her face was as terrify- 
ing as her overhand service. Mabel, alas ! 
served underhand, and, therefore, was 
manifestly at a disadvantage. The ex-cham- 
pion was famous for her all - round stroke 
equipment, and — as the reporters said- the 
“ fine generalship which directed it.” Mabel, 
on the other hand, was mueh younger, more 
active, and a finer back line player. 
The experts predicted a tremendous match, 
a fight to the closest finish. More. it. was 
whispered that the winner of the All Comers’ 
would be Open Champion. The holder w r as 
said to be out of form. 
During the first two games Mabel scored 
but one point . Mrs. Higginbotham rushed 
her. The redoubtable lady “ ran in ” on 
her )udicionsly-plared service, and smashed 
Mabel’s returns. Bott whispered to John : — 
ci Old Higgs can't keep that up. It tires— 
even me.” 
Mabel smiled confidently. Again Bott 
whispered to John 
Mabel’s smile warms the cockles of my 
heart. She has the temperament. Old 
Higgs hasn't. Jf Mabel gets the best of her 
presently, hair will be flying about the court ! ” 
“ Mrs, Higginbotham looks ferocious. 7 ’ 
“ Yes ; early in life she got the tennis face / 1 
John sighed. Would his Mabel acquire 
those deep furrows between her pretty brows* 
