Capt. H. You won't mount him, if you take my advice—he has rather a delicate mouth.
Mr. S. Oh, I don't mind that—I should ride him on the curb o' course.
[The Class ride at the hurdle one by one.
R. M. Now, Mr. Sniggers, give 'im more of 'is 'ed than that, Sir—or he'll take it.... Oh, Lor, well, it's soft falling luckily! Mr. Joggles, Sir, keep him back till you're in a line with it.... Better, Sir; you come down true on your saddle afterwards anyway!... Mr. Parabole!... Ah, would you? Told you he was tricky, Sir! Try him at it again.... Now—over!... Yes, and it is over, and no mistake!
Mrs. B.-K. Now it's Robert's turn. I'm afraid he's been overtiring himself, he looks so pale. Bob, you won't let him jump too high, will you?—Oh, I daren't look. Tell me, my love,—is he safe?
Her Friend. Perfectly—they're just brushing him down.
AFTERWARDS.
Mrs. B.-K. (to her Son). Oh, Bob, you must never think of jumping again—it is such a dangerous amusement!
Robert (who has been cursing the hour in which he informed his parent of the exact whereabouts of the school). It's all right with a horse that knows how to jump. Mine didn't.
The Friend. I thought you seemed to jump a good deal higher than the horse did. They ought to be trained to keep close under you, oughtn't they? [Robert wonders if she is as guileless as she looks.]