For her father's sake, for all their sakes, her stepmother had not the courage to proclaim aloud what she had done, won by a dishonorable action. Now in the midst of the family she would feel no such hesitation.
One question puzzled Jeanette. Would her stepmother speak first to her father or to her? If to her father, doubtless he would insist that she return the prize awarded her.
The following morning at breakfast no one talked at any length of the day before.
Jeanette appreciated that her stepmother avoided looking directly at her, or else she kept her own lids down whenever the possibility arose.
Lina congratulated her a second time. Via showed the same grave, worried air which her face had revealed the previous day.
Her younger sister's almost uncanny perception of what the people she cared for were thinking and feeling, Jeanette had admired in the past. At present she resented so psychic a temperament.
Her father was not at the breakfast table, having eaten earlier and departed for Laramie.
Once during the long, tiresome meal Jeanette forgot her own uncomfortable position.
Lina leaned forward and said unexpectedly:
"Jack, don't you think father has something upon his mind at present that is troubling him a good deal? I thought he was worrying for fear you or Jeanette might be hurt in the riding contest. Last night when we returned I handed him a telegram which was here waiting for him and he appeared more troubled than ever. Is he in some business difficulty?