Anthony Hope

“ Dolly, after a contemptuous glance, began to inspect the lawn. I retired into the shade and sat down. Lady Jane and the curate strolled a little further off. Presently I was roused by an accusing cry from Dolly.
"She's found a bump," said I to myself, shaking my head.
"You never can do things properly," said Dolly, walking up to me. ”

“ I loosed my hold of the roller and took the curate's arm. We began to walk up and down.
"There is also,"' said I, "romance."
"There's little enough of that for most of us," said the curate.
"There has been too much for some of us," I returned. "But the lawn is smooth where the roller has been. The bumps—the pleasant bumps—are gone."
"They spoilt the game," observed the curate.
"They-made the game," said I, frowning a little.
There was silence for a minute. Then the curate asked—
"Is Lady Jane going to play to-day?" ”

“ We strolled out into the garden.
"Now, isn't that provoking?" cried Dolly. "they haven't rolled the tennis-lawn, and the people will be here directly."
"Shall I ask Archie to ask somebody to get somebody?"
"They've all gone to dinner, I expect. Suppose you roll it, Mr. Carter? It'll be so good for you. Exercise is what you want."
"Exercise is, no doubt, what I need," said I, doubtfully eyeing the roller.
"It's the same thing," said Dolly. ”