"Of course I'll ride with pleasure if my husband is willing. There is no entertainment in life I enjoy so much." She glanced toward her husband. "What shall I answer John Marshall, Jim? Will you consent?"
Mr. Colter hesitated. "Suppose we wait and talk the matter over. If you do enter the contest, Jack, you must win for the honor of the old Rainbow Ranch."
"Yes, and for the honor of my first riding teacher who is now my husband. Oh, of course I had ridden almost as soon as I could walk, but no one had ever told me how to ride properly until you came to the ranch."
"I'm betting on Mrs. Colter!" Cecil Perry exclaimed, his expression changing from chagrin to enthusiasm.
Jeanette moved nearer to the tea table.
"Mr. Marshall, is the racing contest to be open to girls as well as to women?" she inquired.
"Yes, I think so," the young man answered, smiling at her. He liked Jeanette's daring spirit.
"You are not thinking of entering yourself, are you?"
"Yes, if I am not too young, I should like nothing better."
"Jeanette, you cannot. You ride pretty well for a girl, I presume, but you are not in it with Mrs. Colter," Cecil protested.