She and Cecil were both relieved by observing a number of older people leaving the house. Some of them were moving in their direction, the others were on their way home.
Among the newcomers to the group of younger guests were their host and hostess.
"You will stay and have a late supper with us?" Mrs. Colter invited, seating herself in Lina's vacated chair by the tea table and regarding the few remaining visitors. "I cannot promise you much of a feast, only what is left in the way of sandwiches and ices. But do stay. It is always dull after a party when all one's friends go away at the same time."
Mrs. Colter looked unusually tired.
John Marshall, who was her neighbor and especial friend, shook his head.
"No, thank you, I must be off in a few moments. I only waited until you were free in order to ask you a question. I hope you won't be down on me for the suggestion, Mr. Colter."
"Fire ahead, it is the best way to find out," the older man answered.
He was regretting his wife's invitation to their guests to remain longer. For his own part he had had enough of visitors for the day and wished to persuade her to take a long horseback ride with him before bedtime. If John Marshall, who was older, would soon be off, the younger people could be left to amuse themselves.
"I wanted to tell you that we are going to undertake a field-day celebration in our immediate neighborhood. One of our plans is to have riding contests among the best women riders in the state. I have been insisting that Mrs. Colter has no equal. Would you be willing to ride? Any number of your friends will take part."
Mrs. Colter laughed, her fatigue of the moment before vanishing.