again for very exultation.

"Put me up, Dad!" he cried. "That will I--and see what thou wilt do."

He lifted her, she springing as he set his hands beneath her arms, and
flinging her legs over astride across the saddle when she reached it. She
was all fire and excitement, and caught the reins like an old huntsman,
and with such a grasp as was amazing. She sat up with a straight, strong
back, her whole face glowing and sparkling with exultant joy. Rake
seemed to answer to her excited little laugh almost as much as to her
hand. It seemed to wake his spirit and put him in good-humour. He
started off with her down the avenue at a light, spirited trot, while
she, clinging with her little legs and sitting firm and fearless, made
him change into canter and gallop, having actually learned all his paces
like a lesson, and knowing his mouth as did his groom, who was her
familiar and slave. Had she been of the build ordinary with children of
her age, she could not have stayed upon his back; but she sat him like a
child jockey, and Sir Jeoffry, watching and following her, clapped his
hands boisterously and hallooed for joy.

"Lord, Lord!" he said. "There's not a man in the shire has such another
little devil--and Rake, 'her horse,'" grinning--"and she to ride him so.
I love thee, wench--hang me if I do not!"

She made him play with her and with Rake for a good hour, and then took
him back to the stables, and there ordered him about finely among the
dogs and horses, perceiving that somehow this great man she had got hold
of was a creature who was in power and could be made use of.

When they returned to the house, he had her to eat her mid-day meal with