The individual in question was a woman. She was on horseback, and as she checked her steed to gaze upon the scene before her, she presented to view a face and form signally beautiful.
A frank, fearless, young face withal, of true maiden modesty. Her hair, in a rich golden shower of curls, fell over a forehead of snowy whiteness, and a neck and shoulders admirably rounded.
Her figure was graceful and striking; its contour shown off by the dark riding-dress she wore.
A hat, with a heron’s plume, stuck saucily on one side, covered her head.
The horse she rode was a Seminole steed—of the Andalusian race—small, but well proportioned, as evidenced by the arching of its neck, proud of its fair burden.
She remained for some time silently feasting her senses with the lovely prospect, herself a charming addition to its interest.
After a while, she gave the reign to her horse, and allowed it, with a dainty, mincing step to pick its way along the path, occasionally making a pretence of alarm, pricking up its ears, drawing its head one side, and doubly arching its pretty neck as some idle butterfly, or quick-winged humming bird, darted across the road, or rose suddenly from a bed of wild flowers.
Por a considerable distance the young lady proceeded without adventure or mischance, whilst her horse, having little affected airs, stepped.
The fair equestrian’s thoughts had not, it seemed, undergone any change, for the same pleasant smile illumined her countenance.
Her thoughts were gay and happy, in unison with the surroundings.