They have had such hairbreadth escapes, haven't they,
Unity?' she continued to the parlour-maid who was standing at the
door.
'Yes, miss, that they have!' said Unity with round-eyed
commiseration.
'Once 'twas in the lane that I found one of them,' pursued Elfride
reflectively.
'And then 'twas by the gate into Eighteen Acres,' Unity chimed in.
'And then 'twas on the carpet in my own room,' rejoined Elfride
merrily.
'And then 'twas dangling on the embroidery of your petticoat,
miss; and then 'twas down your back, miss, wasn't it? And oh, what
a way you was in, miss, wasn't you? my! until you found it!'
Stephen took Elfride's slight foot upon his hand: 'One, two,
three, and up!' she said.
Unfortunately not so. He staggered and lifted, and the horse
edged round; and Elfride was ultimately deposited upon the ground
rather more forcibly than was pleasant. Smith looked all
contrition.
'Never mind,' said the vicar encouragingly; 'try again! 'Tis a
little accomplishment that requires some practice, although it
looks so easy. Stand closer to the horse's head, Mr. Smith.'
'Indeed, I shan't let him try again,' said she with a microscopic
look of indignation. 'Worm, come here, and help me to mount.'
Worm stepped forward, and she was in the saddle in a trice.
Then they moved on, going for some distance in silence, the hot
air of the valley being occasionally brushed from their faces by a
cool breeze, which wound its way along ravines leading up from the
sea.
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