The novelty of the drive, however, quickly won her to the best of spirits.

Mrs.Owen appeared ready for this adventure with her tall figure wrapped in a linen "duster." Her hat was a practical affair of straw, unadorned save by a black ribbon.

As she drew on her gloves in the _porte-cochere_ the old coachman held the heads of two horses that were hitched to a smart road wagon.

When her gloves had been adjusted, Mrs.Owen surveyed the horses critically.
"Lift Pete's forefoot--the off one, Joe," she commanded, stepping down into the asphalt court.

"Um,--that's just what I thought.