“So, then,” said he, “Master Mark has been playing traitor, and divulging my confidence. The girl was a marvellous horsewoman, which is a rare gift with Indian women. I 've seen her sit a drop-leap—I 'll not venture to say the depth, but certainly more than the height of a man—with her arms extended wide, and the bridle loose and flowing.”
“And you followed in the same fashion?” asked Alice, with a roguish twinkle of the eye.
“I see that Mark has betrayed me all through,” said he, laughing. “I own I tried it, but not with the success that such ardor deserved. I came head-foremost to the ground before my horse.”
“After all, Mr. Maitland, one is not obliged to ride like a savage,” said Lady Lyle.
“Except when one aspires to the hand of a savage princess, mamma. Mr. Maitland was ambitious in those days.”
“Very true,” said he, with a deep sigh; “but it was the only time in my life in which I could say that I suffered my affection to be influenced by mere worldly advantages. She was a great heiress; she had a most powerful family connection.”
“How absurd you are!” said Lady Lyle, good-humoredly.
“Let him explain himself, mamma; it is so very seldom he will condescend to let us learn any of his sentiments on any subject. Let us hear him about marriage.”
“It is an institution I sincerely venerate. If I have not entered into the holy estate myself, it is simply from feeling I am not good enough. I stand without the temple, and only strain my eyes to catch a glimpse of the sanctuary.”
“Does it appear to you so very awful and appalling, then?” said my Lady.