South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-01-13
SECOND YEAR OF
MARRIED LIFE.

Helen stood on the hotel veranda
and gaZed at the four saddle horses
impatiently paving the ground.
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 their ride with
out 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.
"Oh, 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 a
summer resort stable, do you? III
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 chated at
their bits and paved the gravel est
lessly, they seemed very spirited in
deed.
She almost wished that when this
ride was suggested last week she had
told Warren the tTuth-that she could
not ride-that she had never ridden.
That long before they were married
when she had told him she could
it was only because of a foolish mo-
1.-n 10 al
with knowing nothing Of outdoor
sports, and, feeling that she must have
some accom- lishment, she had sald
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-htting linen habit. "Oh, you're
here already"
yes. Warren'u be down in a mo-
ment. l hurried on out TO see the
horses. Oh, Pm 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
I can ride with you. Thatn give you
a chance to get used to your horse.
"Oh. here comes Mr.. Stevens! DO
help me TO mount my horse before
", rren comes out. I've been dreading
t. nave Warren help me mount. lie II
b, sure TO see how awkward i 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 hghuy
into the saddle And if Mr.. Stevens
noticed how heavily Helen mounted
for so slight a person. and how aWk-
wardIy she sat and more awkwardly
gathered up the reins he MADE no
comment.
Warren Arrives.
ooh. you're mounted already,
called Warren as he hurried down
the gravel path. sorry 10 keep you
waiting, but I haven't had these leg
gings on for so long, ] had 10 tussle
with the straps"
While during the two years of her
married life Helen had kept Warren
riding breeches and boots and leg
girss 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 thorough,
bred. how much more of the real
hOrseman he looked than even MI.
Stevens who rode frequently.
Warren swung himself into the
saddle 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. Stew
ems started of together.
II was a good road. and as IL was
early sunday morning they had Ii al
most 10 themselves.