I did not feel awkward, yet knew not how to conduct or what might be expected of me at this star-dim rendezvous with a sleepy, woodland beauty.
But she seemed in nowise disconcerted after a word or two; drew my arm about her; put up her red mouth to be kissed, and then begged to be lifted to my saddle.
Here she sat astride and laughed down at me through her tangled hair. And:
"I have a mind to gallop to Fish House," said she, "only that it might prove a lonely jaunt."
"Shall I come, Jessica?"
"Will you do so?"
I waited till the blood cooled in my veins; and by that time she had forgotten what she had been about—like any other forest bird.
"You have a fine mare, Mr. Drogue," said she, gently caressing Kaya with her naked heels. "No rider better mounted passes Pigeon-Wood."
"Do many riders pass, Jessica?"
"Sir John's company between Fish House and the Hall."