"Mademoiselle, I belittled it, as I have the advantage of being a good swordsman. My companion, who stood by unarmed, was far more worthy of commendation."
"I have already tried to thank him." She smiled, and I noticed that her teeth were adorable. "He is English, I think, and it is so difficult to thank Englishmen properly--they always seem ashamed of doing anything brave."
"That is so; but your horse, mademoiselle, is, I am afraid, in rather a bad way."
We walked over to where the animal now stood. I bent to examine the strained fetlock, while his mistress stroked his nose and talked to him encouragingly.
"It is quite impossible to ride him," I said, looking up.
"Oh dear! and it is most unlikely that there will be another horse in this place."
"But your groom, surely he will return soon?"
"I doubt it, and even if he were to, I could not ride his horse, as it is practically unbroken."
"Then," said Mr. Neville, who had rejoined us, "we must get you some kind of conveyance, unless you live within walking distance."
"The walking would be less painful, monsieur, from what I know of the carriages in this part of the country."