Two or three times her father had invited her to ride to some distant point of the ranch with him, when he was on a tour of inspection. However, as her stepmother rode with him nearly every day Jeanette had preferred to decline on the few occasions when she was asked to play the part of a substitute.
At this moment Jeanette turned to leave the veranda. She was conscious of the unpleasant atmosphere one member of a family can always precipitate upon the other innocent members.
Her father was white with anger.
Lina appeared shocked and annoyed, disliking scenes at all times.
Olivia's lips were trembling and her blue eyes filling with tears.
Eda, not understanding, was nevertheless aware that no one near her was happy.
Jeanette could not know that the only person who had any real sympathy with her at present was the stepmother she disliked.
In times past when she was a girl Jack recalled having excited her husband's anger just as his daughter was doing at this time. She did not enjoy the reminiscence.
"I think I am still able to support my family, Jeanette. If you care to go East to school in the fall, possibly you may do as you wish. In the last two weeks you scarcely have made your presence at home so agreeable we cannot live without you."
These were the final words Jeanette heard as she vanished.