midday
Jessica ably demonstrated her ability to outhop her competitors , while Eva Allen covered herself with glory in the apple contest . Grace , after losing the hundred-yard dash , laughingly refused to enter the other contests . `` I mean to win at tennis this afternoon , '' she said , `` so I 'm not going to waste my precious energy on such little stunts . '' After the midday luncheon had been disposed of , the entire class repaired to the tennis court at the east end of the park . A match had been arranged in which Grace and Miriam Nesbit were to play against Ruth Deane and Edna Wright , who was an indefatigable tennis player , and therefore figured frequently in tennis matches held in Oakdale . At the last minute , however , Edna pleaded a severe headache and recommended Eleanor in her place . `` But I never have played with her , '' protested Ruth Deane , `` and how do I know whether she can play ? ''