"Come in for the Virginia Reel," they demanded. "The young folks are having refreshments on the side porch and Bo Peep wants us to dance for him." "May I have the honor?" Horace Carey said, bowing to Virginia Aydelot. "With pleasure, Horace," Virginia replied with a smile. As they led the way to the dining room, Dr. Carey said: "I congratulate you tonight, Virginia, on your son, your kingly husband, and your busy, useful life. You've won the West, you two." "Not yet," Virginia replied. "Not until our son proves himself. He's a farmer's boy now. Wait five years till he is the age his father was when he came out here. The test of victory is the second generation." Bo Peep's fiddle began its song and the still young middle-aged guests with their host and hostess kept time to its rhythm. CHAPTER XIV THE SECOND GENERATION The younger generation does not want instruction. It is perfectly willing to instruct if anyone will listen to it. --_The Education of Otis Yeere._ The second generation gave little thought to what was filling the minds of the first settlers tonight. The company was a large one and a dozen years later more than one young matron remembered Thaine Aydelot's birthday party as the beginning of a romance that ended happily for her. "Jo, you are the queen of the ball tonight," Todd Stewart, Junior, declared, as he led her to the cool veranda after their fourth dance together. Jo looked the part in the moonlight, as in the lamplight. "Oh, no, I'm not. Leigh Shirley is Thaine's favorite, and his choice is queen tonight," Jo said coquettishly. "Darn him! We all know who his choice is, all right," Todd said. "But, Jo, can't a fellow have half a chance, anyhow? You know, you can't help knowing a lot of us would fight for you." He caught her hand in his and she did not resist at once. "Oh, Jo, I know one fellow, anyhow--" "Look at Thaine now," Jo interrupted him, as Thaine came near the open window. "Todd, do you know why he thinks so much of Leigh Shirley?" "Of Leigh? Does he? I hope he does. He shows good taste, anyhow. Everybody from Little Plum Creek clear to Northfork likes Leigh." Jo's eyes flashed. "She must be very popular." "Oh, not as they like you, Jo. You must know the difference between you two, a real beauty and a sweet little girlie." "She's not so sweet. She tries to attract and doesn't know how," Jo declared, for jealousy belongs to the dominant. Todd Stewart's sense of justice was strong, even in his infatuation. "Why, Jo, you mustn't be jealous of Leigh. She's the girl the boys can't make like them. She's the funniest, settest little creature. And yet, she is a cute child. But you are our pride, you know, and to me--well, let me take you home tonight, and I'll tell you about my pride."