And presently most of those staying in the house turn their steps towards the pleasure grounds.

The tennis courts have been kept marked, in spite of the fact that the regular tennis season is at an end, and Mr.
Gower, who is an indefatigable player, has called on Miss Hescott to get up a double with him.
The idea has evidently caught on, for now everyone seems to be swarming tennis-wards, rackets in hand, and tennis shoes on feet.
Rylton, turning back from the stables an hour later, and with a mind still much upset, finds all the courts occupied, and everyone very much alive.

Standing on the top of the stone steps that lead down to one of the courts, he glances sharply round him.

No! Tita is not here.

Tita, who is a perfect devotee where tennis is concerned.
Where is she, then?
A second time his glance sweeps the tennis courts, and now his brow grows dark; Hescott is not here, either.
He draws in his breath a little sharply, and without descending the steps, goes round the courts nearest him to where an opening in the wood will lead him beyond fear of conversation.
As he reaches this opening, a voice behind him cries gaily, "Whither away, Sir Maurice ?" He turns and manages to smile pleasantly at Minnie Hescott, who, with Mrs.Bethune, is close behind him.