“He’s a dear love of a man,” said Kate, with a pretty pout, for somehow, she would have liked to have mystified her guest, “If I ever marry, it will be him—”
“Niece!” As she spoke, Mrs. Warren uplifted her hands in horror. “Why, Mr. Herman is married, and has children as old as yourself.”
“But I expect him to become a widower,” wickedly continued Kate. Then, with a serious air, she resumed, addressing Major Gordon. “I must really introduce you to Mr. Herman. He’s the best man we have in the county, and quite a philosopher in his way. He’s of the old Swedish stock, which, as you know, is famous for sterling honesty, straight-forward common sense, and a just estimate of life. When I wish to hear wisdom, I go over to his little clearing. But, if you are fond of horses, as most officers are, would you look at Arab, and give me your opinion?”
“Do, Major,” anxiously said Mrs. Warren, “and tell her that the horse will kill her, if she attempts to ride him.” “I should like to see Arab very much,” answered Major Gordon.
“James,” said Kate, summoning a servant, “have Arab brought out in front of the house. We will accompany you as far as the porch, Major,” she said, addressing her guest, and bowing for him to lead the way.
Arab deserved the enthusiasm which Kate evidently felt for him. He was a dark chestnut horse, about fifteen hands high, with a head, neck and shoulder that were perfection. He came dancing up to the gate, with elevated crest and arched neck, the very beau-ideal of high breeding. As he turned his head toward the porch, on hearing voices, the expression of his large, dark eye, showed that he recognized Kate, who had already, by feeding him from her hand, established an intimacy with him.
She could not resist the mute appeal, but impulsively running toward him, patted him on the neck and face, while he turned his head, as gently as a child, to lay it caressingly in her small palm.
“Mr. Herman is right,” said the Major, turning to Mrs. Warren. “Miss Aylesford could ride Arab when nobody else could.”
“Do you really think so? You take a load from my mind by saying it. But, indeed, the dear child is so rash.”
“Your niece appears to have excellent judgment; and courage is not rashness.”