The morning's practice had been unusually unsuccessful for Jeanette. Her pony had refused to jump one of the ditches on the place and she had been unable to force him. She had seen her stepmother skim gracefully across without the least effort and then return to find out why she had not followed. Jeanette was tired and discouraged and cross and warm.
Cecil and her sisters looked as if they had been having a particularly enjoyable morning. They had been playing tennis, but appeared entirely unruffled. Grudgingly to herself, as she climbed the porch steps, Jeanette felt obliged to admit that Cecil was almost good looking if one chanced to like golden hair and a fair skin and a slender, tall figure in a youth. It was even apparent that Cecil did seem more manly than at the beginning of their acquaintance. His skin had tanned, his hair burned a brighter gold, his expression become less petulant.
"You seemed used up, Jeanette, while Mrs. Colter is as fresh as if she were just starting for a ride," he began, rising and coming forward and shaking hands first with his hostess.
"Do you mind my staying to lunch?" he inquired. "Lina has asked me and I want to awfully."
Then as Jack nodded and went away he added:
"Gee, what a charming woman Mrs. Colter is, and what a beauty! At least she is the type of woman I admire. She is gracious and sweet-tempered and clever. I say, Jeanette, why don't you try to model yourself after her? You would be a lot more attractive."
When Jeanette flushed but made no answer, he continued:
"Take a piece of friendly advice, Jeanette. Give up this idea of the riding contest. I suppose you ride pretty well for a girl, but you will never be in it with Mrs. Colter. Perhaps you expect to be awarded the silver arrow for your courage in making the attempt?"
Jeanette shrugged her shoulders.
"Really, Cecil, I wonder if you realize what a talker you are. You talk more than any girl I ever have known. I suppose that is one of the reasons why I think you are rather effeminate. Forgive me if I go on upstairs at once, as I want to change my riding-habit before lunch."