“Yes. Keep a firm hold of your reins.”

We turned into an abominably steep lane. I shoved my feet well out into the stirrups, and uttered no observation whatever until we had reached the bottom. Then I exclaimed,

“Such a descent is enough to try the nerves of a mule.”

“We shall meet with nothing but level roads now,” said she. “Are you for a gallop?”

“No. Let’s have a talk.... How superbly you ride, Theresa.”

“Do I?”

“You make me feel as inelegant as a Hindoo, sitting like a tailor on an elephant’s head.”

“Have you ridden with Conny?”

“No. I don’t think she rides, does she?”

“A little. She is not like me: she is womanly in her tastes and aversions.”