The Washington herald., 1910-12-26


but not 70 the Hermitage.
Ringing the bell. he asked the butler
who appeared, if there was decent
saddle horse in the stable
''Yes, sir Mr.. clifford brought the
horses along with the other things"
Tell the groom to saddle the best in
the stable and bring 1t around.
by Jove. it's lucky I learned 10 ride
or the Doctors pony when / was
youngster," lie thought then the strange
ness Of his position struck him.
a devils bargain, but he's paying a
good price" he thought
Quarter Of an hour later he was told
his horse was at the door, and going out
he saw a coal black mare, evidently
FESTIVE, held by a groom.
Paul patted her gently then as he
mounted. the groom said:
shes got temper. sir.
"All right, / think 7 can manage her, F."
he replied. and a moment later horse
and rider were flying down the avenue
Hes q good seat and knows how 20
ride. said the groom 10 the butler. who
had remained at the door TO see If his
new master was equal to riding Black
Sally, the favorite Of the young lord
whom circumstances had compelled TO
part with his birthrisht
ooh. them Australians are born in the
saddle, as you may say" be answered
scofingly.
Not half a bad place TO open your
eyes in: but. ! say. Barnes, you're vexed
that he can ride Black Sally. I believe
you wanted him 10 come a cropper, %
said the groom, laughing.
NO; / cannot say that / did; still. it's
a bit disappointing 20 see him fiji the
young lords place in everything. /
thought Black Sally would have known
ne wasn't her own master"
80 she did. but she found out as the
new one loved horses. / saw IL by the
look in his eyes. when he patted her,
and it's my opinion as a man who loves
horses is to be trusted and with these
words. Luke, the head groom, went around
70 the stables.
Meanwhile, Paul was enjoying his ride.
Il was the exercise be loved above all
others, and when be was earning a reg
ular though small salary, as a clerk. IL
had been his one Indulgence 20 treat him
self 20 a ride every Saturday afternoon,
and the owner III the livery stables. who
soon became aware that he was q sldllful
horseman. charged him less than his other
customers. and let him ride his best
horses. Black Sally, though she at first
showed some inclination 20 be Unruly.
soon discovered that the man on her back
would prove TO be her master II she tried
any Of her little games. SO she decided
Il wasn't worth while, and by the time
they had got some distance from Castle
steads she was enjoying the gll0p as
much as her master.
Now I wonder If this lane viii lead
back % Castlesteads"- hadn't got 10
think OF Il as home yet thought Paul, a
he checked the marc and gazed ahead OF
him. but tho November mist was gather
ing. not black fog like It had been that
Observation-Disclosures night on the bridge,
but q soft. white mist that seemed to have
fallen like a curtain over green fields and
potato patches alike. Il guess I must
risk it, the house lies In this direction, "
he reflected. as he rode leisurely forward
A few yards ahead he met a laborer. a
bowed old man.
Does this lane lead to Casuesteadsg 90
asked Paul
would you moind speaking up2 I'm
a bit deaf" shouted the old man. put
ting his hand 10 his ear
rs this the way 20 Castesteady'' asked
Paul I'm a loud. clear tone
Didn't catch IT," was the reply.
Just then the sound OF wheels made
Paul turn his head. and he saw a little
pony carriage. In which a lady and groom
were seated, approaching.
Does this lane lead TO Castlesteads2 90
shouted Paul. Who began 10 feel exasper-
atad
What is it you want 70 know bel
lowed the old man.
Paul heard a merry laugh. as the wheels
stopped; then a woman's voice said.
This lane does lead 10 CastIesteads,
though it's a bit round about Ny house
tho Rookery-is just around the bend.
II you Will let me give you cup OF
tea, Mr.. Clelland, I viii afterward d.
rect you on your homeward way"
Paul looked az this woman who ad-
dressed him by name, and he saw that
she was young and pretty.
DO come; We are neighbors, and ought
70 be friends. Ny name is Lascelles, %
she said in a pleading tone.
Paul hesitated for a moment. Then he
realized that il would be well TO make
friends with those about him, so rails
ing his hat he said.
rections viii be welcome 7 was afraid
should never make this fellow hear. "
and as he spoke Paul threw half a crown
20 the old man. who was regarding him
with eyes and mouth wide open.
II see you are riding Black Sally. "
said the lady. as she touched the pony
lightly with the whip
Yes; she's a splendid animal"
''She was Fred de Verneys favorite
horse. I wondered at him selling her. but
as he was going to the Rocky Mountains.
he said poor Sally might as well 90 along
With the rest Here We are, she said, as
they came 10 some gates with lodge at
each side, AMI drove along a broad road
shaded by trees.
In another minute or two they were at
the entrance, and she led the way into a
room that was an epitome OF luxury and
taste.
NOW, make yourself comfortable. Mr.
C1elland,' she said, as she seated herself
in a low easy chair close TO which the
tea table was placed, and throwing of
her wraps revealed a dainty figure
clothed in bright scarlet
Was she Mrs or Miss LasceIles, he
wondered? Her manner was more that
Of a married woman. Nevertheless, he
watched her draw OF her gloves with
interest
''Yes; I'm married. Ena I4ascelles,
once wife. now widow" she said in an
airy tone.
Paul started, vexed that she had read
his thoughts.
I'VE start life early in America" she
said
so see, Mrs. Lascelles'
She laughed.
Lady Lascelles, If you please. won't
lose what I paid so dearly for. Now,
don't look shocked; it was a case of bar
ter. My father had made heaps of money
and he wanted an equivalent, and I saw
the reasonableness OF it, That's where
the American girls have the pull OF the