Late in the afternoon Frau von Gropphusen rang for the maid; but the girl had been allowed to go out, and had not yet returned. The groom from the stable came hastening to answer the second ring. He stood still in the doorway, astonished. His mistress had let down her hair and was standing in the sunshine as though wrapped in a golden mantle.
"Is Betty not here yet?" she asked.
"No, madam."
"Well, it does not matter. Saddle Lady Godiva for me."
"Very good, madam. But excuse me, madam; you will remember that Lady Godiva has not been ridden for three days; she will be very fresh."
Frau von Gropphusen smiled: "Do not be afraid. I shall be able to manage her."
"Shall I go with you, madam?"
"No, I am going alone."
Languidly she put up her hair before the mirror. Her pale cheeks were faintly coloured, and her lips shone moist and red. She slipped on her riding habit and settled her hat firmly. When the hoofs of the mare clattered on the pavement outside she was quite ready.
The maid met her at the garden gate, and was profuse in her apologies.