Ellen was taken out of the ring of walkers
and mounted on a fine animal, and set by herself to have her
skill tried in as many various ways as M. De Courcy's
ingenuity could point out. Never did she bear herself more
erectly; never were her hand and her horse's mouth on nicer
terms of acquaintanceship; never, even to please her master,
had she so given her whole soul to the single business of
managing her horse and herself perfectly well. She knew, as
little as she cared, that a number of persons besides her
friends were standing to look at her. She thought of only two
people there, Mr. Lindsay and her aunt; and the riding-master,
as his opinions might affect theirs.
"C'est tr?s bien — c'est tr?s bien," he muttered; "c'est
parfaitement, — Monsieur, mademoiselle votre fille has had
good lessons; voil? qui est enti?rement comme il faut."
"Assez bien," said Mr. Lindsay, smiling. "The little gipsy!"
"Mademoiselle," said the riding-master, as she paused before
them, "pourquoi, wherefore have you stopped in your canter
tant?t — a little while ago — et puis recommenc??"
"Monsieur, he led with the wrong foot."
"C'est ?a — justement!" he exclaimed.
"Have you practiced leaping, Ellen?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Try her, M. De Courcy. How high will you go, Ellen?"
"As high as you please, Sir," said Ellen, leaning over and
patting her horse's neck to hide her smile.
Pages:
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901