Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-03-07
Continued.

grown meCnanlcdl ana udTu. as CAii
noticed Mr. Kingsley was going TO
show it 10 me next"
Cyril nodded to the lad, and he took
the horse that he had Deen showing
into the stable, and led out the mare.
1t came out with uplifted nostrils and
restless eye, and staRed little at the
sight of Philip Dyces whip.
Its a beautiful creature, said
Leola
q am glad you like it, murmured
Philip Dyce, gratefully; and he wcht
forward and took the bride from the
lads hand. soothing the animal as he
led it toward Leola. at is exceed
ingly quiet Have you saddle
handy Kingsley"
Cyril went into the harnessroom
and himself proceeded TO saddle the
horse. 1t fdgeted little, but moth
ing out Of the common.
Very quiet" said Philip Dyce,
don't you think so, Kingsley"
Cyril looked up.
Sometimes" he said
What do you mean2" exclaimed
Philip Dyce, with a smile that was al
most a sheer. 1T is as quiet as
lamb. Do you understand horses,
Kingsley?"
"a little" replied Cyril. Il have
spent three years in the saddle, and
have ridden colts and Australian
plungers.
They have made you nervous"
said Philip, and you think the mare is
not safe
"rhat depends upon who rides her
Nonsense. said Philip Dyce, shes
like a lamb"
And he sprang into the saddle.
Take care!" cried Leola as the
mare rose on her hind legs, and
showed strong inclination to claw
at the sun.
'|There is no need" said Philip
Dyce, quietly; she is only fresh.
Now. watch her
And giving her a touch with his
whip, ne sent her over the fence and
gaIloned across the field.
She went indeed beautifully, and
Leola could not withhold her admira-
ton.
She seems very quiet she haz-
arded.
Mr.. Dyce's hand is as light as
feather and as strong as steel, ne
said, concisely; yours" and he looked
at the small, white hand. delicate as
a musician s. is not
"There!" exclaimed Philip Dyce,
riding into the yard as easily as if he
were on a Westinghouse. she is as
quiet as clothes-horse. not an ounce
of vice in her You must admit you
were mistaken. Kingsley, he said.
with a contemptuous smile.
Cyril shook his head.
you ride well. Mr.. Dyce,' he said,
and She knows it: but would rather
credit her with a pound Of vice than
an ounce. especially when she feels
that she is mistress"
My good fellow" retorted Philip
Dyce. haughtily. you are mistaken.
You will make your mistress ner-
vous
Leola WINGED and shrank as if the
insolent words had cut her like a
blow. But the man to whom they
were addressed stood as calm and
composed as a rock.
4 have no wish to make my mis-
tress nervous, MIR. Dyce, but if my
opinion is asked-and if it be not
still say the horse is vicious
Leola scarcely heard the whole of
his reply The TWO words, my
mistress" which had so stung her into
shame when Philip Dyce had spoken
them, thrilled through her In Cyril
Kingsley's deep, grave tone.
1t was as if some sweet chord of
music had foated upon the morning
air and found an echo in her heart.
My mistress" To her it sounded
not as the voice Of a servant but Of
noble, knighty lover.
Leola's heart beat wildly and her
lips parted as if she were listening 70
some sweet, subtle melody
Philip Dyce's voice broke the
charm
AT any rate. he said, Il don't
think you will succeed. Miss Dale
has more courage than you seem in
clined to credit her with, Kingsley.
When You wish TO ride, he said.
turning to Leola, you will find the
mare a perfect dove. obedient to the
slightest touch, and submissive as a
lamb
As he spoke. with a confident smile.
he led tie horse TO the stable
Cyril Kingsley looked al Leola, and
in tone that was at once imploring
and commanding said quickly
Miss Dale. ! have a favor. a great
favor to ask. if I may, without pre-
sumption.
Leola. startled ny his earnesness.
made a gesture of assent.
1t is. said Cyril. in low. hur
ried voice. that you will sraciously
permit me 10 teach you to ride"
Leola flushed, and looked down for
a moment then raised her eyes.
Thank YOU. she said, simply.
One thing more said Cyril quick
". Philip Dyce was sauntering to-
wards them. And that is, that You Will
not ride this mare until YOU are able
10 master her.