They arrived at the hôtel De Marcey. The two friends were soon in the saddle, and Alfred’s groom led out for Robineau’s use a pretty little mare which pawed the ground and displayed a noble ardor for the road. Robineau began to frown and walked around the horse, saying:
"It seems to me that this horse is a vicious-looking animal."
"On the contrary she is the gentlest creature you can imagine; she’s a lady’s horse."
"Then she will do for me. But why does she stamp so?"
"Because she’s impatient for a gallop."
"The devil! if she’s impatient, she’ll run away; I don’t want to ride like a madman!"
"Don’t be alarmed! Don’t you know how to mount?"
"Yes, yes; but when one has just breakfasted, one should go gently; that’s a principle of mine."
"If you don’t wish to go at all, you are at liberty not to do so; let us go without you."
"No—par Dieu! I am with you! Oh! you will see how gracefully I ride—what a seat I have!"