"You might kindly attend to your own affairs," was Jeanette's reply. She had forgotten that she was speaking to a guest.
Lina Colter shook her head, not approving her stepmother's enthusiasm over John Marshall's proposal, and even less Jeanette's.
"Cecil is right, Jeanette, whether you like what he said or not," Lina expostulated. "I am sure father will never consent."
"Consent to what?" Mr. Colter's voice inquired, having overheard Lina's final remark.
Jeanette came and stood beside the table close to her father, stepmother and their guest, John Marshall.
"Lina is absurd, father! I wish to enter the riding contest. If you are willing to have your wife attempt it you will not object to your daughter making herself equally conspicuous. You heard Mr. Marshall say my age or lack of age need not be a barrier."
Jeanette spoke gayly, yet there may have been a slightly jealous tone in her voice.
An instant her father stared at her in surprise.
"Why, certainly not, Jeanette," he answered finally. "You are not only too young, you are not a sufficiently skillful horsewoman. Because you chance to ride better than the other girls you must not have too great an opinion of your own ability. The truth is, dear, you have no idea of the skill necessary for riding with the best horsewomen in the State of Wyoming."
In characteristic fashion a sudden wave of color flooded the girl's cheeks.