I WALKED ALONE

HELEN WILLS

EDITOR'S NOTE: The poem printed below was written by Miss Helen Wills, American Women's Tennis Singles Champion, at Cannes just before her match with Mile. Suzanne Lenglen, the French champion. Vanity Fair last year presented the extraordinarily versatile Miss Wills in the role of a sketch artist. It now. with much pleasure, publishes one of her first efforts in verse

I walked alone—the narrow street, Winding over the hill;

Followed the grey walls, luring me, Further and further still.

Oh, the little gates, tight shut, I passed, Their secrets closed to me!

Oh, the early lamp that glowed and smiled

Through the mimosa tree!

I walked alone—the narrow street,

And loved it none the less;

Followed the grey walls, luring me,

Yet knew not loneliness.