"Glad's no name for it," the gallant Colonel said, advancing in his turn.
There could be no doubt of the sincerity of any one who, thus far, had expressed a welcome for her; but the voice which now came coldly from Miss Barbara was less convincing. She did not approach the mountain girl, but sat somewhat superciliously upon a bench and spoke frigidly. "It is an unexpected pleasure."
Madge, not trained to hide her feelings under softened words, turned on her angrily. "Humph! I wasn't askin' you," she said. Then, to the others: "I didn't know but what my droppin' in, permiskus like—"
"A Kentuckian's friends," said Frank, "are always welcome."
"Friends from the word go, remember," said the Colonel.
"Thankee, Colonel," said the girl. "We'll have that race, some day; but I won't ride agin you if you ride Queen Bess. Oh, wouldn't I like to see her go!"
"So you shall," said Frank. "Neb, is she ready?"
"Yessuh; all saddled, sur, an' bridled."
"Oh, let me bring her out," cried Madge. "I'd love to."
"Lawsy, honey," said the negro, "you couldn't bring her out. She's dat fretful an' dat nervous dat she'd kill yo', suah."