However, Jessica had become inured to this kind of remark, which she happened to overhear, and though it didn’t add to her pleasure it did not greatly detract from it. Indeed, her heart was beating so high at thought of her dear “boys’” remembrance of her that she could scarcely keep her feet from dancing; but she tried to remember Madame Mearsom’s expressed desires, and with a low: “Come this way!” to Ephraim, she led him out of the reception room to a smaller one at the end of the hall, where tradesmen sometimes waited an interview with the mistress of the house.
“This is quieter, Ephy, and we’re quite by ourselves. Wait just a minute. Madame is going out this afternoon but I’ll run and ask that permission. If she’ll only give it! How happy, how happy we will be!”
Already there was a glow upon the cheeks that had been paler than of old and “Forty-niner” felt he had acted wisely and well. Also, because of Jessica’s good record in her work and the eagerness in her face, Madame was graciously pleased to give the coveted permission and to add her congratulations on the fine gift.
“Two hours, only, from the time of leaving till you are back at the door, remember, my dear. And I hope, I certainly hope, you will have a most delightful ride.”
From the windows of the reception room some watched the “Westerner” ride away and wondered at the ease with which she mounted and assumed control of an untried mount, one that was as restless and inexperienced in city surroundings as this beautiful creature from the plains.
“O Ephy! I feel almost, almost as if we were at home again, starting for a long, long ride—to Dr. Kimball’s, or some other far-away neighbors. If I didn’t have to wear this tight skirt I’d feel exactly like. Oh! how well he suits me! His back is perfect. They couldn’t have chosen better—You dear Sobrante! I’d like to hug you, and I will!”
Suiting the action to the word Jessica leaned forward and clasped the horse’s beautiful, arched neck, sending a thrill of pleasure through his equine heart. But another sort of thrill instantly followed. An automobile whizzed honking by and Sobrante promptly stood upon his hind feet.
Spectators along the avenue halted in fear. The girlish rider would certainly be thrown! Only she nor Ephraim showed no alarm. He merely checked the hired animal he bestrode and which he had taken care should be the best in its owner’s stable, and watched. He was ready to clasp Sobrante’s bridle, should that be necessary, and to use his man’s strength to bring the animal to subjection. However, this was not required.
Jessica’s own fearlessness inspired her sensitive mount with confidence. Her whispered soothing words penetrated his consciousness and his affectionate nature responded to her love.
“Nothing but an ‘auty,’ Sobrante dear! Foolish things, they are not to be compared with such as you, my beauty; but plenty as can be. You’ll get used to them, directly. They can’t hurt you. Nothing shall hurt you, precious! Just hold your head high and proud, and disdain to look at them, you splendid fellow. Once we are in the Park, we’ll get to the quietest place and—Go! That is, we’ll pretend to go—but it won’t be as we could at home. Steady, there, pet. Here comes another ‘goose’ on four wheels!”