Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1881-11-11

her right waist, her little white gauntlets
fitted exqnisitely, so did her shapely pa
tient leather high boots.
The horse was led up--a large chestnut
with white star on his forehead, and
world Of intelligence in his soft eyes. He
was rather heavy for Kitty's use, but she
found no fault. Placing her little foot in
the hand of the groom, she leaped lightly
to her place, arranged her skirts in a mo-
| ment, and took up the double reins in her
small skillfuf fingers. She rode three times
around the school, and then drew rein be-
fore Mr.. Cover and Mr.. Phillips the rid
ing master.
Miss Bryan, your seat is perfect. Ii
you will allow me l will reconsider my
decision"
"Wait little!" cried Kitty, with ma
tional lmpetuosity. PUT up some bars
Can he leap 20
The order was obeyed, and Kitty took
tie big chestnut over the obstacles with
dexterity that surprised all who saw her.
''She can ride exclaimed Phillips.
by George t1atter myself I've seen some
cross country riding, but never saw a la
dy who managed horse like that"
Before Kitty left the school she was en-
gagged on salary that positively frigbten-
ed her, 1t was so big.
s'How delighted poor mother will be-"
said the impulsiye little girl, as she re-
turned to the boarding house. "I'm sure
| don't know how to thank you, Mr..
Cover. would have gone home crying
if you had not been there. I am so glad
of chance to ride again; love horses so
dearly. They are such good, faithful
creatures. think they know when peo-
pie understand and love them. I always
could do anything I liked with horse.
There was one in Lord Fitzmorris' stable
that was called the most vicious animal in
Ireland. He was jet black, a large heavy
animal. No one could manage him, and
at last l got his Lordship's consent to
mount him. My father never feared to
let me ride any horse, for you see under
stand them so well there ls really no dam
ger. I went to the groom and told him to
allow me to see Elgin-that was the
horses name-in bis box. After some de-
muir he Gid so. I was struck with the
beauty of the animal. 1 spoke to him
very gently. He trem bled so l knew he
was accustomed to abuse, poor Elgin! l
drew near, and greatly to the surprise OF
the stable men laid my hand on his shool-
DIR. In an instant he laid back bis ears
and turned on me with flashing eyes, dila-
ted and furious and teeth glistening.
''Elgin! I said gently. He looked at me
steadily for moment, then put his nose
On my shoulder. The men stood around
silent from terror, waiting with bated
breath to see me torn and trampled. Ell
gin! put my hand on his neck, and
stroked him softly. His large eyes met
mine in questioning glance; his nose still
rested on my shoulder. l had conquered
Elgin. He sighed heavily like human
thing, and l stroked and patted him,
speaking to him softly and gently all the
time. After while knew [ had won
his heart, poor, i'll treated, misunderstood
Elgin. After that he was led out and a
saddle placed on his back. Two hostlers
held him while l mounted. He looked
round at me, and the futter Of my habit
startled him, he made a bolt. Any woman
who did not possess my nerve might have
lost her head, but l knew there was moth
ing mean about Elgin. There are mean
horses just as there are mean people; they
will lie down and roll on you, but he would
never think of such a thing. I let him
run; had fearful curb on his mouth.
but never used it. 1 am not a coward.
When he had raced till he was weary he
began to siacken speed. Quietly I had
guided him up a steep hill. and he felt my
weight, slight though it was. Now l
spoke again, and he recognized my voice.
'Another trembling fit passed over him;
he turned around his head. l talked with
him as I would talk with you, telling him
how foolish he was to be afraid. After
that bad,no more trouble with EIgn; we
understood each other. Lord Fitzmorris
sold him to an Englishman, and | grieveL
when we parted, for had lost a friend
Noble creature! poor horse! perhaps he
never had chance to find anyone who
could believe that he was anything but
friend"
Kitty was soon settled in her new busi-
ness. She felt happy, for she was earning
money to support her mother, and her en-
ployment was congenial. Her love of ami
mails was really remarkable. She under
stood them, and they loved her. Every
horse in the school knew her, and all the
employees respected her as the most sklllful
rider and the best teacher they had ever
s; en-. Pupils knew almost by intuition
what she wished them to do, her instruc
tions were so clear and plain.
Before she had been month in the
place Phillips would have forfeited any
money rather than part with her Not
that alone, but his heart was in her keep