“Everybody noticed it,” said he. “And _did_ you pop it?” “Like a brick,” said I. “Then you’d better tell me all about it,” said he, exposing his hand at last. “Then perhaps we shall both feel sleepier.” Thereupon, without the exercise of the least piece of pressure, I entered on a flowing, exhaustive and frank relation. CHAPTER XVIII I Receive Instruction in a Heart-breaking Science AT the end of this exciting story, the Optimist said: “Quite a neat idea, this trial by cricket, from one point of view. The point of view is hers. It’s an attempt of course on the part of feminine delicacy to let a fellow down gently. You haven’t a thousand-to-one chance of beating her, you know.” “Thanks, old chap,” said I, “you’re a great consolation. But I’m going to have such a good try. Besides, although she’s a Trentham, she’s also a girl.” “Can you bowl?” said the Optimist, with brutal brevity. “Oh, damn!” said I, and proceeded to smoke savagely for the space of three minutes, as my manner was in some danger of losing its repose. “Your bowling’s positively putrid,” the Optimist said. “And she can hit hard. Lots of the family muscle, and her eye’s perfect.” “I’m trusting to my batting,” said I. “You’ll find it a broken reed,” said he, “when you come to play her curly ones. You haven’t met ’em yet, have you?” “No, worse luck,” said I. “She’s got her guv’nor’s curl, you know. Horrible things that swerve in the air and then break back again. You heard what the boys said? And they’ve not exaggerated ’em a bit. They’re indescribably infernal.” I tried to play the stoic. With this purpose in view, I discarded my pipe and settled myself for peace, perfect peace. But I was just as likely to send down a good length ball as to get to sleep just then. “It’s no good malingering,” said the Optimist, at the end of ten minutes; “you are no more in slumber’s lap than I am.” “Shut up, can’t you?” I said. “I was just in a doze.” “Why don’t you face your position,” said he, “as becomes a valiant man of Little Clumpton? You’ve got to play Grace in an hour or two, and yet the bowling at your command is incapable of getting a girls’ school out. As I am truly anxious that you shall bring no disgrace upon your club, might I suggest that you get a little practice before the match begins?” “Almost a suggestion for you,” said I. “Are you willing to assist me?”