When her absence was explained, he appeared more annoyed than the other girls were accustomed to seeing him.
"I think Jeanette might have postponed her ride a few hours this morning."
As he spoke steps were heard approaching and Jeanette entered the room with an unexpected companion, a tall, fair boy.
She looked flushed and excited. The young fellow appeared pale and weary.
The truth was that Jeanette had raced across the fields in order to be at home at this moment, unmindful of the fact that her companion knew little of riding and found it extremely difficult not to be left behind.
"I have discovered a new neighbor, father," said Jeanette, introducing the newcomer first to him and ignoring the presence of her new stepmother.
To her surprise Cecil Perry stretched out his hand.
"Is this Mrs. Colter? I know you cannot remember me, but I met you several years ago. How glad I am to see some one I have met before!"