Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-09-18
Dark DarreII's Bride.
CHATTER VII.

the court 10 the orange, Win mounted
groom following, leading Zuleika, who
was provided with new saddle and bride.
But Sir Philip had not said TO himself, IL
will WOO lima; 1 will try to make her love
me-" There was no such definite thought
rs yet, only the fierce defiance OF the fate
which forbade him to love, only the de-
termination not TO yield her up. bearing
him steadily EDWARDS to the fultilment he
was putting from him.
lima was quite ready when the horses
drew up before the door; and she came
out to meet Sir Philip on the threshold in
close-htting riding-dress and plumed
Spanish hat that made her look, II posi-
bic, more witching than ever.
al hope | have not kept you waitingi"
said Sir Philip, smiling. ~ am punctual,
| Think"
40 the minute. am only just down.
You won't mind not seeing auntie, will
you! She has u headache, and is not out OF
her room yet. Jennie" TO one of the SER
yants-"whero is my riding-whipS Run
and fetch II, please. 1t is in my room, |
think"
~ hope" said Sir Philip, US he led his
companion out, that Miss Durnford's head
ache is only slight onc!"
eyes, thanks; it will go OF presently
She often has them, she tells me, and they
never last"
Sir Philip lifted the slender figure, and
with pradticed skill swung the girl into
the saddle as If she had been u feathers
weight.
"You do help one pcrfectlyp' said IL
MA. "Thanks, Sir Philip"
lie smiled, and, turning 10 the groom,
took from him dainty silver-mounted rid
ing-whip, which he placed in Ilma's hand.
"Oh, Sir Philip'-the quick color rush
Ing TO her cheeks-"why will you be 80
kind What n perfect little beauty OF
whip, which, am sure, by-the-way, shall
not have 10 use much! And the saddle
and bride are lovely. You have quite
beggared ne in words, but not in graft
tude."
.You forget that, if gratitude were due
TO me from you, il would be more than
cancelled by mine TO you for the honor
you do me in accepting my poor gifts"
With this gallant speech Sir Philip
vaulted into the saddle, and the two riders
took the road to the Larches.
Sir Philip saw in n moment that lima
was u practiced horsewoman. She sat her
steed well, and none put skillful rider
could have mastered Zuleika, who was
completely under the control OF the girls
frm but gentle hand. lima was enrap-
tured with the mare, and Sir Philip after
riding for while III almost perfect silence
said
al see you are mistress. / would not
for the world have any but such rider
Rs you are mount Zuleika."
"Was that" asked the girl, laughing,
L a..
your"
"Yes. l knew, Of course, that you
were n crack horsewoman, or l should not
have selected Zuleika; but forgive lie il
wanted to make assurance douDly sure by
having mademoiselle's debut with you
under my own eye. You see, though she
has been exercised for lady's riding, she
has never yet been ridden by n lady"
"There Is nothing TO forgive, Sir Philip.
1t Is very good of you TO be SO careful for
me. IL l Lad gone out the first time with
Roland, and Zuleika had bolted, he would
never have been able to catch her up. l
call his horse Tom monster-ft to draw
nlne-pounder unaidedW
sir Philip laughed at this piece Of youth
full exaggeration; and so, chatting, they
rode In the sunlight and under the spread
ing boughs of larch and elm, till they
came in sight OF the Larches. They saw
the horses before the door, and the Sabine
girls and Roland on the terrace; and lima,
girl-like, put Zuleika into swift cantcr,
pulling up the mare in such splendid style
close by tho steps that a cry OF admiration
greeted the feat.
"Isn't she darling?" said lima, bend.
Ing from the saddle, flushed and laughing,
rs they all rushed round her; aud At tue
same ipi' mt Sir Philip rode up.
"Well done, lima" he said; and then,
raising his hat, and bowling low to Mrs.
Sabine, he dismounted and went up the
terrace to greet her.
"That horse is fearfully wild, lima"
observed Roland, while his sisters were
admiring llma's whip. "Are you sure you
can manage herr"
Ilma's laugh rang out like silver bell.
81 wish l was AS sure Of everything as
am Of that" she replied. "Steady, dear"
-as Zuleika began capering about. "Oh,
Roland, you will kill me! What has made
you timd all in moment?"
al shouldn't be timid for person
cared nothing about" said Roland, look
Ing up at her earnestly.
"Yo on can't care much for me in this
short time you know, Roland" responded
lima, perfectly unconscious of any deep
rssaning In his words. "But, whether you
dc VI not, you need not pull long face
for me-"
Roland could not say more just then, for
Sir Philip came up and lifted Rose into
her saddle, and Roland was Obliged TO turn
away TO perform like service Tor jamie
But, while he was giving his sister the bril-
die, he kept his eyes fixed anXiously upon
Zuleika, who was curyeting about evil
IDENTIFY eager TO be off. Hardly acknowl-
edged to himself, was an unworthy desire
In the young mans mind to find a flaw in
Sir Philip Darrell's gift, to prove him
wanting in sufficient care for llma's safe
ty, while his own solicitudc, il even over
anxious, would shine by contrast.
"Sir Philip" he said a little abruptly
to the Baronet, who, having attended TO
Rose, was now turning away to his own
horse, "Zuleika Is terribly wild. l hardly
think she is safe for lima TO ride"
For d second Sir Philips naughty brow
contracted, and the blue veins on the tenn
pies stood out--sure indications Of quick
aud passionate temper; but he checked the
answer that rose To his lips, and replied