As Mr. Colter talked, he allowed himself to be led out of the drawing-room, across the veranda and down the steps into the yard.
Suddenly the sunset overspread the sky in a blaze of color. Involuntarily he and Jeanette paused, forgetting their own desires and annoyances.
A moment after, they moved on toward a group of chairs that were under one of the tall cottonwood trees.
Mr. Colter seated himself in one. Jeanette dropped down on the ground facing him.
Over her two knees she clasped her hands and began rocking gently back and forth.
She did not speak at once.
Her father regarded her intently.
More than Jeanette was aware he had been conscious of her state of mind since his new marriage and concerned over it.
"Well, Jeanette, what is it?" he inquired gently.
Still she did not reply.