XXV
The next morning when Trennahan rode up, Magdaléna was already on her horse, and they cantered off at once.
"I must teach you to trot," he said. "This is very old-fashioned. You must not be behind your friends, who would scorn to canter."
"Very well. You can teach me."
The next half-hour was given up to the lesson. Magdaléna did not like the new method, but persevered heroically. A half-hour was all she could endure, and they cantered across the meadows to the back woods.
Magdaléna was as pale as a swarthy person can be. Her eyes were heavy and shadowed.
"You did not sleep last night," said Trennahan, abruptly. "And something had happened yesterday before I came. What was it?"
"I don't think I can tell you. I don't like to talk about things—about myself."
"Then let me tell you that no human being can go through life without help. With all your brain and your natural reticence, you are no exception to the rule. I am much older than you are. I know a great deal of the world. You know nothing of it. I can help you if you will let me."