Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-06-11


gets worm"
" But was never on a horse in my life, Mr.
Darrah. 1 am very sorry, but L can't go"
"Why you are the most courageous lady in
our sailing parties. You are not afraid?"
Not at all afraid, but should be fright
fully awkward, and do not care to risk my
reputation"
"Kou could net be awkward, !" was the reply,
| low voice, and tone that sent the blood
dancing around my heart. This last sentence
| determined me- would not run the gauntlet
| Of comparison with Addy Loomis, who knew
was to be of the party, and who was an accom-
plished horsewoman.
But the next evening Phil came again to re-
| sumo his persuasions. felt that I could not
get Oh without being rude, and in truth had
some curiosity to know what ride on horse
back was like. At last consented to go, and
Mr.. Darrah went to engage a horse for me, And
| send me down habit and hat that belonged tc
a married sister.
/ slept but little that night. There was a
certain enpressn1ent in my admirers manner
when he took my hand at parting, which made
me feel that it required only favorable op-
psrtunity for me to be invited to be Mrs. Phil
hip Darrah. l felt some anxiety, too, rs to the
becOmingness Of my habit and hat was up
by the peep Of day, that 1 might practice
gathering up my skirt gracefully.
The lady to whom the dress belonged was,
n
considered myself proportioned more after
the fashion of the Venus de Medici pulled
and tugged at the hooks and eyes till my fin
ger bones were broken. I went to the bed and
woke my cousin, who declared she would not
get up at that hour of the day, to go on such a
party, for the best horse in Chrstendom.
Jenny" said I, in despair, lit will require
wlndiass to bring this body together. Do get
up and help me-.
Jenny rubbed her eyes, got out of bed good
humoredly, and then sat down and laughed.
Its no laughing matter, Jenny L ex-
claimed, dolefully. ''Do stop and help me-
1t won't meet by quarter of yard"
Z" Put piece Of black cloth underneath it,
and then fasten hook here and there, if you
can, she at length suggested.
So it was arranged, more to the satisfac lion
OF the eye than to the comfort of my person,
for felt as if | was in a vice. But my black
plHmed hat was becoming, and tried to make
the best of it.
At last heard the traDping of horses feet,
and saw the party stop at Mr.. Loomis's for
Addy. felt some misgivings at the moment,
but when saw her put her foot in Phil Dar-
rah's hand, and spring like a bird to her horse,
the whole thing seemed SO easy that was re-
assured. She settled herself in her saddle,
and gathered up her reirs with all the calm
ness of thorough hOrsewoman. The party
then came across for me. There were four or
FIVE ladies, all of whom were accustomed to
riding. descended and opened the hall door
just as Phil mounted the steps. The first thing
did was to get my feet so entangled in the
SKIRT OF my dress in spite of my practice. that
was precipitated into Mr.. Dsrrah's arms. Ii
might have been in a worse place, to DO sure,
bat still it was awkward. Addy LOomis sat
and toyed with her whip, and watched me
malicIously.
" Place your left foot on my hand, Miss
Carry, if you please, said, Phil, who saw that
L did not know how to proceed when got
to the horse.
l did as directed, with both hands hanging
by my side;
g. Take the snaffe in your right hand, and
then grasp the pommel," said my instructor.
L did not know the snaffie from the mar
tingale.
Phil dropped my foot, placed the rein in my
hand, I thought it took him longer to do it
than was absolutely necessary and showing
me how to take hold of the pOmmel.
81 am dreadfully awkward" said /, my
face burning, and feeling ten times more ner-
yous, when l saw the smile on Addy LOOMS
cOuntenance.
I" Not 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 carpentsr's rule, and down L came
with my left foot still in Ptil's hand, though
| think he was standing some distance further
of than when first attempted to mount.
Try again, said my instructor 1Let me
take your foot in both my hands, then keeI
your left limb stiff, and am sure we car
manage it."
fro BE Continued