"Poor Lina! That terrible man might have killed her," said pretty Violet, with a shudder.
"Look, Violet—who is that coming now?" said Mrs. Earle suddenly.
Violet looked hastily.
"Oh," she said, "it is Mr. Meredith—he is bringing her after all."
The farmer came up the steps, Jaquelina following in his wake, a veil tied about her head, a thin summer shawl wrapped about her shoulders.
"They told me I should find you here. I have brought my niece to the party, Mrs. Earle. She had a cold, but I couldn't persuade her to stay at home," he said. "I will go back, now, as wife and Dollie are alone, but if you'll tell me when the party will be over, I'll bring back the mare for Lina."
"You need not trouble about that," Mrs. Earle replied as he turned away. "I'll see that she gets back safely, Mr. Meredith."
Then she turned to Jaquelina, who stood beside Violet, gazing with timid delight at the illuminated lawn and the moving groups of people.
"You may lay aside your wraps, dear," she said, kindly. "I hope you will enjoy our little party."
"I know I shall," the girl answered, gazing around her with sparkling eyes. "Oh! Mrs. Earle, how beautiful it all is. It seems just like fairyland!"