El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-08-24

IT Ellen stood on the hotel veranda
II and gazed out at the four sad
die horses impatiently paving
the gravel
With her black straw sailor, plain
white shirt waist and the riding skirt
Mrs. Stevens had brought down for
her from town she looked very trim
and girlish
But her heart was beating fast with
fear and dread In spite Of all the
riding lessons she had crowded into
the last few days. she was far from
sure that she could ride.
The canter had seemed easier than
the trot, and If she could only keep
the horse in a slow canter, she felt
she might get through this ordeal
without betraying herself
Warren had ordered the horses the
night before, and she had ventured
to say she would like one that was
quiet and gentle. because she hadn't
ridden for so long.
Horses All Quiet.
ooh. all these horses down here will
be quiet enough" he had answered,
carelessly. You don't think you are
going to get any spirited animals in
g summer resort stable. do you? I'll
go down and look them over and get
the best they've got: but I'll warrant
they'll not be much
But to Helen. as she stood there and
watched them. while they chafed at
their bits and paved the gravel rest
lessly, they seemed very spirited in
deed.
She almost wished now that when
this ride was suggested last week she
had told Warren the truth-that she
could not ride-that she had never rid
den! That long before they were mar
ried-when she had told him she could
lit was only because OF foolish mo-
mentary impulse He had chided her
with knowing nothing of outdoor
sports. and, feeling that she must have
some accomplishment. she had faid
that she could ride. And never since
then had she had the courage to con-
fess the truth.
Mrs Stevens came out now in her
well-fitting linen habit "Oh, you're
here already"
Yes. warren'll be down in a mo-
ment 1 hurried on out to see the
horses. Oh, I'm getting SO frightened,
know I'll give it all away"
Now you'll get through all right. If
you'll only think SOL I'll ask them
to ride on ahead for a little while SO
can ride with you That,1l give you
chance to get used to your horse"
ooh, here comes Mr.. Stevensi Do ask
him to help us mount before Warren
comes out. I've been dreading TO have
Warren help me mount. He'll be sure
to see how awkward 1 am
Fred" Mrs. Stevens called to her
husband, ''come and help us mount
Well not wait for Mr.. Curtis. He'll
be out in a moment"
Mrs. Stevens. who was an accom-
plished horsewoman. sprang lightly
into the saddle. And if Mr.. Stevens
noticed how heavily Helen mounted
for so slight person. and how awk-
wardly she sat and more awkward1y
gathered up her reins. he made no
comment
Warren Arrives.
"Oh, you're mounted already" called
Warren as he hurried down the gravel
path. "Sorry to keep you waiting. but
I haven't had these leggings On for
so long. had to tussle with the
straps"
While during the two years of her
married life Helen had kept Warren's |
riding breeches and boots and leggings |
carefully packed away on the top shelf
Of his closet, she had never before seen |
him wear them. And now, in spite of |
her nervous fear of her horse, she |
thrilled with pride as she saw how |
handsome. how thoroughbred. how !
much more of the real horseman he /
looked than even Mr. Stevens. who |
rode frequently.
Warren swung himself into the sad
die with careless grace He was busy |
with one Of the obstinate straps of |
his CATERS and had hardly glanced /
at Helen.
You two ride on ahead" called out !,
Mrs. Stevens. And he and Mr.. Stevens |
started off together.
1t was a good broad road. and as it |
was early Sunday morning they had |
1t almost to themselves.
"Oh, If you can only keep them rid
Ing on ahead" murmured Helen. I'm
so nervous and frightened-Pve for /