Behind her Rupert Joyce was just driving into the yard. He, too,
was flushed and palpitating--though not for the same reason.
"I--I just thought I'd drive out and see Mary Belle," he blurted out
airily, assuming a bold front to meet the wrath which he felt was sure
to come. At once, however, his jaw dropped in amazement.
"Mary Belle? I left her down in the orchard gathering apples," Miss Prue
was saying cheerfully. "You might look for her there." And she smiled--
the gracious smile of the victor for the vanquished.
Incredulously the youth stared; then, emboldened, he plunged on
recklessly:
"I say, you know, Miss Prue, that little horse of yours can run!"
Miss Prue stiffened. With a jerk she straightened her bonnet and thrust
her glasses on her nose.
"Ann has been bad--very bad," she said severely. "We'll not talk of it,
if you please. I am ashamed of her!" And he turned haughtily away.
And yet--
In the barn two minutes later, Miss Prue patted Jupiter Ann on the neck
--a thing she had never done before.
"We beat 'em, anyhow, Ann," she whispered. "And, after all, he's a
pleasant-spoken chap, and if Mary Belle wants him--why--let's let her
have him!"
The Axminster Path
"There, dear, here we are, all dressed for the day!" said the girl
gayly, as she led the frail little woman along the strip of Axminster
carpet that led to the big chair.
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