A young lady, a cousin of Beth's, was spending the winter in Jacksonville that year, and was very popular in society. On this particular afternoon she, too, was driving on the shell road and chanced upon Beth. She and her escort laughed so heartily over the child's ludicrous appearance that Beth, at first, was inclined to be offended. However, she drew Dollie up alongside of the carriage.
"Are you laughing because we're going slow? I'm not a bit afraid. Say, Cousin Lulu, would you like to have a race with me?"
Lulu and her escort laughed harder than ever. Beth tried to look more dignified.
"I bet I could beat you, Cousin Lulu. Are you afraid I would? Come on and try."
The young man in the carriage leaned forward.
"Do you ride well enough for that?"
"Of course, I do."
This was hardly true, as she had never ridden at a fast pace in her life. She did not think it necessary to own to this, however.
The young man was highly amused.
"Well, little lady, we'll try your skill. If you reach the Fair grounds gate before we do, I'll give you a box of candy. Now when I count three and say go, we'll both start. Now one, two, three, go."