They were nearing the house. For some reason or other, Dolly whinnied as he spoke, probably in acquiescence to his thought, probably in recognition of the presence of her rival. She might have seen, had she cared to turn her head, a trim, lithe form passing to the rear of the house. Stephen took pains to see her, however, and, as she turned her head, doffed his hat in salute. The next moment Dolly felt the reins tighten, and, whether she desired it or not, found her head turned in that direction. Her rider was soon dismounted and was leading her to the side of the road.
"You are early astir, Mistress Marjorie. I had anticipated no such pleasure this morning."
"It is indeed mutual," replied Marjorie, smiling as she offered him her hand. "How came you so early? No new turn of events, I hope!"
"Not in the least. I desired a few hours in the saddle before the heat of the day set in, and my guardian angel must have directed me along this path."
Dolly raised both her ears and turned towards him, while she noisily brought her hoof down upon the sod.
"What a rascal!" she thought to herself.
The girl dropped her eyes demurely and then asked hurriedly:
"There are no new developments?"
"None that I know of."
"Nothing came of the trouble at the Inn?"