And she soon
becomes reproachful, oh, so soon ! It is marvellous to watch the
manner in which a hunting lady will become exacting, troublesome,
and at last imperious, deceived and spoilt by the attention
which she receives. She teaches herself to think at last that a
man is a brute who does not ride as though he were riding as her
servant, and that it becomes her to assume indignation if every
motion around her is not made with some reference to her safety,
to her comfort, or to her success. I have seen women look as
Furies look, and heard them speak as Furies are supposed to
speak, because men before them could not bury themselves and
their horses out of their way at a moment's notice, or because
some pulling animal would still assert himself while they were
there, and not sink into submission and dog-like obedience for
their behoof.
I have now before my eyes one who was pretty, brave, and a good
horse-woman; but how men did hate her! When you were in a line
with her there was no shaking her off. Indeed, you were like
enough to be shaken off yourself, and to be rid of her after that
fashion. But while you were with her you never escaped her at a
single fence, and always felt that you were held to be
trespassing against her in some manner. I shall never forget her
voice, " Pray, take care of that gate.
Pages:
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41