said. "I am nearly beside myself with envy. Lord Ernest Strathmore
says you are the most graceful equestrienne he ever saw."

"His lordship is very good. I wish I could return the compliment, but
his chestnut balked shamefully, and came home dead beat!"

Lord Ernest was within hearing distance of the clear, girlish voice,
but he only laughed good-naturedly.

"As you are strong, be merciful, Miss Hunsden. We can't all perform
miracles on horseback, you know. I came an awful cropper at that ugly
hedge, to be sure, and your red horse went over me like a blaze of
lightning! You owe me some atonement, and--of course you are going to
the ball to-night?"

"Of course! I like balls even better than hunting."

"And she dances better than she rides," put in her father, coming up.

"She is perfection in everything she undertakes, I am certain," Lord
Ernest said, "and for that atonement I speak of, Miss Hunsden, I claim
the first waltz."

They rode together to Carteret Park. Sir Everard had the privilege of
assisting her to dismount.

"You must be fatigued, Miss Hunsden," he said. "With a ball in
prospective, after your hard gallop, I should recommend a long rest."

"Sir Everard, I don't know the meaning of that word 'fatigue.' I never