“Men take these contests very seriously, Jack, and defeat is considered such a disgrace that the losing club goes into mourning until the stain is wiped out by victory. This Spartan attitude on the part of their supporters is believed to inflame the eleven with the spirit to win or die. Of course, this is a development of sport since your day which must be surprising to you.” I looked at Dianne from the corner of my eye, but evaded comment. Since the experiment on the soles of her feet, I had begun to wonder if a sense of humor were not beginning to develop. “But why don’t they begin to play?” I asked, observing the field covered with a score of figures in conclave. “Why the teams aren’t yet on the field.” “But the--” “Oh those are the officials.” “Twenty-four officials!” “I confess, dear, that I am not familiar with the great masculine sport,” said Dianne, “but I believe that such a vast body of legislation has grown up about the game that not only each player has to be watched by two officials, but each team has to be represented by legal experts to argue on the interpretations which may arise.” “Then lawyers do exist!” I exclaimed. “The club community has nothing to do with the state,” said Dianne. “Inside their walls, men are allowed to organize themselves as they see fit. That’s why a great many atavistic customs have been retained. For example, they say everything there is run by committees.” “I must visit the Club,” I exclaimed. “Impossible!” exclaimed Dianne, really alarmed, “and I beg of you, if you love me, don’t ask anything of the kind. You must watch every step, dear, for our happiness depends on your discretion. You have enemies, determined enemies already--” Before I could reply the air was filled with a terrific din. I looked down and observed the section of bright colors fluttering in a state of the wildest hysteria. “The home team is arriving,” said Dianne. Through the portals at the north end I observed the irruption of a band of Dionysian revellers performing the most curious revolutions, shaking tambourines and leaping to great heights in the air. Behind with their hands on each others’ shoulders the eleven and substitutes marched in military formation. The appearance of the home team completed the frenzy in the stands which burst into a triumphant paean under the skillful guidance of a score of cheer leaders.