Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1855-09-26
WARREN,

at Silver Spring, and return before the
day gets wOrn."
'' But l was never on a horse in my
life, Mr.. Darrah. L am very sorry, but
1 can't 60"
"Why you are the most courageous
lady in our sailing parties. You are not
afraid I"
Not at all afraid, but l should be
frightfully awkward. and L do not care
to risk my reputation
" You could not be awkward" was
the reply, in low voice, and tone that
sent the blood dancing around my heart
This last sentence determined me. l
would moi run the guantlet of comparison
with Addy Loomis, who, 1 knew was to
be of the party, and who was an accom-
plished horsewoman.
But the next evening, Phil came again
to resume his persuations. felt that l
could not get off, without being rude, and
in truth, had some curiosity to know
what ride on horseback was like. At
last ] consented TO go, and Mr.. Darrah
went out 10 engage horse for me, and
send me down habit and hat which be-
ionged to a married sister.
l slept but little that night. There
was certain erpressment in my admirers
manner. when he took my hand at part
ing, which made me feel that it It quired
only favorable opportunity for me to
be invited to be Mrs. Philip Darrah."
1 felt some anxiety too, as to the be-
comingness Of my habit, and hat. Twas
up by the peep of day that l might prac
tice gathering up my skirt gracefully
The lady to whom the dress belonged,
was unfortunately as slender as a bean.
pole, whilst l considered myself proper
toned more after the fashion of the Ven
us de Medici. L pulled and tugged at
the hooks and eyes till my finger bones
were almost broken, l went to the bed
and woke my cousin, who declared she
would not get up at that hour ofthe day,
to go on such party, for the best horse
in Christendom.
Jenny" said 1, in despair. it will
require windless to bring this body to-
gelher. Do get up and help me-
Jenny rubbed her eyes, got out of bed
good naturedly, and then sat down and
laughed.
"It's no laughing matter, Jenny !" [
exclaimed. dolefully, i" do stop and help,
me. 1t won't meet by quarter of
yard"
{" Put piece of black cloth under
meath, and then fasten hook here and
there if you can," she at length sugges-
ted.
So it was arranged, more to the salts
faction of the eye than to the comfort of
my person, for 1 felt as if 1 was in vice.
But my black plumed hat was becoming,
and l tried to make the best of it.
At last heard the tramping of horses
feet, and saw the party stop at Mr.. Loom
is for Addy. l felt some lnisgivings at
the moment, but when l saw her put her
foot in Phil Darrah's hand, and spring
like a bird to her horse, the whole thing
seemed so easy that | was treasured.
She settled herself in her saddle, and
gathered up her reins with all the calm
ness of a thorough horsewoman.
The party then came across for me.
There were four or FIVE ladies, all of
whom were accustomed to riding. 1 de-
scended, and opened the hall-door Just
as Phil mounted the steps.
The first thing l did, was to get my
feet so enlangled in the skirt of my dress,
in spite of my practice, that 1 was pre-
cipitated into Mr.. Darrah's arms. 1t
might have been in worse place. to be
sure, but still it was awkward.
Addy Loomis sat aud toyed with her
whip, and watched me ma,iciously.
"Place your left foot on my hand,
Miss Garry, if you please" F" sand Phil,
who saw that l did not know how to pro-
ceed when l got to the horse
l did as directed, with both hands
hanging by my side.
g Take the snafle in your right hand,
and then grasp the pommel,' said my
instructor.
l did not know the snaffle fiom the
martingal.
Phil dropped my foot, placed the rein
in my hand, q thought it took him long
er TO do If than was absolutely necessa-
ry) and showed me how to take hold Of
the pommel
81 am dreadfully awkward" said l,
my face burning, and feeling ten times
more nervous, when saw the smile on
Addy Loomis' countenance.
mot at all awkward" was the reply,
you will do famOusly when you are
once on. You must permit me to give
you some lessons. Now spring, from
your right foot"
did spring, but somehow my joints
doubled up like carpenters rule, and
down came. with my left foot still in
Phil's hand, though 1 think he was
some distance further off than
when l first attempted to mount.
Try again" said my instructor