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VIII.—RIDING AND DRIVING.
In riding, as in walking, give the lady the wall.
If you assist a lady to mount, hold your hand at a convenient distance from the ground, that she may place her foot in it. As she springs, you aid her by the impetus of your hand.
In doing this, it is always better to agree upon a signal, that her spring and your assistance may come at the same moment.
For this purpose there is no better form than the old duelling one of "one, two, three."
When the lady is in the saddle, it is your place to find the stirrup for her, and guide her left foot to it. When this is done, she rises in her seat and you assist her to draw her habit straight.
Even when a groom is present, it is more polite for the gentleman himself to perform this office for his fair companion; as it would be more polite for him to hand her a chair than to have it handed by a servant.
If the lady be light, you must take care not to give her too much impetus in mounting. We have known a lady nearly thrown over her horse by a misplaced zeal of this kind.
In riding with a lady, never permit her to pay the tolls.