“Only,” he continued, turning to Palfrey, “it isn’t my mare any more; it’s Miss Stanton’s. Put that in, Palfrey.”
Angelica’s mouth opened in wonderment and her heart stood still. She looked about the table blankly.
“It’s so,” said Reggie; “she’s yours.”
“But I can’t take her,” she said falteringly. “She’s too valuable. Can I, Jim?”
“But Jim’s bought her,” said Reggie, hurriedly.
Angelica’s eyes settled on her brother’s face; he said nothing, but began to smile; Reggie was kicking him under the table.
“Yes,” said Reggie; “when I saw you ride Lady Washington, that settled it with me. I’m too proud to stand being beaten by a girl; so I made Jim buy her back and promise to give her to you.”
“Do you mean it?” said Angelica. “Is Lady Washington really mine?”
“Yes,” he said.
She dropped her hands in her lap and sighed wearily. “It doesn’t seem possible,” she murmured. She paused and seemed to be running over the situation in her mind. Presently she spoke as if unaware that the others were listening. “I knew it would happen, though,” she said. “I knew it. I reckon I prayed enough.” She smiled as a great thrill of happiness ran through her, and glancing up, saw that all the rest were smiling, too.