"The fishing was not much of a success. I would rather have sat under the trees and talked to you. Ah, here is your father."
When they had greeted each other Jaqueline explained her errand.
"Let us all go out together!" exclaimed Mr. Carrington. "My poor fellow will be glad to see me."
"Marian must have a fresh horse; she rode hers all the way down. Oh, there are the Johnsons! Just in time for the fray," and she nodded over to two young men sauntering up the avenue.
"Jaqueline, you ride the mare and give Marian your pony. I will go out and see to things."
Jaqueline turned back, and the two young men gallantly dismounted, escorting her to the porch, where soon the five girls assembled in equestrian array, and the five cavaliers were at their service.
"Do not stay out too late," admonished the squire.
Marian hesitated. Louis led off with Elizabeth, who was much amused at the young collegian's aplomb. Hester was supposed to have a more than friendly interest in the elder Johnson brother. Mr. Carrington kept close to Jaqueline, and Ralston wheeled his horse around to Marian's side.
"I wonder if there is a little fate in that?" and the squire nodded to the last couple. "Father has other plans for Marian."
"You don't mean that he is in real earnest about that widower and the houseful of children?" inquired Mrs. Mason.