Gertrude led Richard about at her will, and Mary consorted with the
Ward girls. With no one on her mind, Ethel could give free attention
to the smoothly-shaven battle-field, where, within the gray walls
shaded by the overhanging elms, the young champions were throwing all
the ardour and even the chivalry of their nature into the contest.

The annual game had been delayed by the illness in the spring, and
the school had lost several good players at the end of the half year;
but, on the other hand, the holidays being over, George Larkins had
been unable to collect an eleven either in full practice or with
public school training; and the veteran spectators were mourning the
decay of cricket, and talking of past triumphs. The school had the
first innings, which resulted in the discomfiture of Fielder, one of
their crack champions, and with no great honour to any one except
Folliot, the Dux, and Leonard Ward, who both acquitted themselves so
creditably, that it was allowed that if others had done as well,
Stoneborough might have had a chance.

But when 'All England' went in, the game seemed to be more equally
balanced. Aubrey May, in spite of devoted practice under Tom's
instructions, was, from nervous eagerness, out almost as soon as in,
and in his misery of shame and despair felt like the betrayer of his
cause. But in due time, with the sun declining, and the score still
low, Tom May came forward, as the last hope of 'All England,' lissom,
active, and skilled, walking up to his wicket with the easy
confidence of one not greatly caring, but willing to show the natives
what play might be.

And his play was admirable; the fortunes of the day began to tremble
in the balance; every one, spectators and all, were in a state of