It was customary for the party to stop at the porte cochere to be inspected by Miss Woodhull, but on this particular afternoon Miss Woodhull was absent at a social function in the neighborhood and the duty devolved upon Miss Stetson, the teacher of mathematics, a strong-minded lady with very pronounced views. She dressed as nearly like a man as was compatible with law and decency, wore her hair short, and affected a masculine stride. She came from Miss Woodhull's state. Jefferson drew up his cavalcade of five and awaited the appearance of Miss Stetson whom he despised with all your true negro's power to despise "white folks what doesn't know dey is white." Miss Stetson insisted upon calling him Mr. Jefferson, affirming that "the race never _could_ be self-respecting or, indeed, wholly emancipated, until treated as the equals of the white race." She now strode out upon the piazza, cast a critical eye upon the horses, nodded and said: "Very fit. Very fit. Quite in order. You are to be commended Mr. Jefferson, but er--isn't there something a little peculiar in the appearance of your horses' er--er--headgear? Their _eyes_ seem to be exposed more than usual; and look somewhat bare, so to speak. Can it be possible that you have forgotten something?" "Fergot?" queried Jefferson, looking from one animal to the other. "Ah cyant see nothin' I'se done fergot, Miss Ste'son. What it look lak ain't on de hawses, ma'am?" "Why their eyes seem so prominent. They seem to _see_ too much, er--" Beverly was attacked with a sudden paroxysm of coughing. Jefferson nearly disgraced himself, but managed to stammer: "We doesn't ingen'ally put blinders on de saddle hawses, Miss, but ef yer says so I'll tak 'em long back ter de stables an' change de saddle headstalls fer de _kerridge_ ones, tho' it sure would look mighty cur'ous." "No! No! Certainly not. It was merely a remark in passing. You are the better judge of the requirements I dare say," and Miss Stetson beat a hasty retreat, entirely forgetting to warn her charges against venturing beyond bounds. Could she have seen Beverly's lips set she might have grown suspicious. The riding party started, Jefferson muttering: "Ma Lawd! dat 'oman suah do make me tired. Blinders on ma saddle hawses! Huh! '_Mr_. Jefferson'. Reckon I bettah tek ter callin' her Sis' Angeline," Angeline being Miss Stetson's christian name. When the grounds of the school were left a few miles behind her Beverly drew up to Sally's side and said significantly: "She did not tell us to keep within bounds." "She forgot to. She was too busy missing the blinders," laughed Sally. Beverly laughed softly and continued: "You girls hold in your horses when we've gone a little further. I want to ride on ahead with Jefferson. I've a word to say and I've an idea he is in a receptive mood." "What are you up to, Bev?" asked Aileen.