"
All this was delivered whilst saddling Black Bess. When she was ready,
Miss Clifford asked leave to hold the bridle, and walk her out of the
premises. As she walked her she patted and caressed her, and talked to
her all the time--told her they all misunderstood her because she was
a female; but now she was not to be tormented and teased, but to have
her own way.
Then she asked George to hold the mare's head as gently as he could, and
Walter to put her up. She was in the saddle in a moment. The mare
fidgeted and pranced, but did not rear. Julia slackened the reins, and
patted and praised her, and let her go. She made a run, but was checked
by degrees with the snaffle. She had a beautiful mouth, and it was in
good hands at last.
When they had ridden a few miles they came to a very open country, and
Julia asked, demurely, if she might be allowed to try her off the road.
"All right," said Walter; and Miss Julia, with a smart decision that
contrasted greatly with the meekness of her proposal, put her straight at
the bank, and cleared it like a bird.
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