But I had my reward; for she waved the groom aside
and let me swing her into saddle and fix her skirt.
How easy it is for a clever woman to manage a man--if she care to try.
It was a beautiful afternoon--the road was soft and the track smooth.
Much of it led through woodland and along a brawling stream. The
horses were of the sort that delight the soul--I doubt if there were
six better saddlers in the whole Kingdom of Valeria. I know there were
no prettier women, and, I think, no happier men.
We passed many people--mainly country-men--and they all knew the
Princess and loved her--bless her!--if their greetings went for aught.
Me, they eyed with frank curiosity; and, more than once, I caught the
drift of their comments.
"A pretty pair," said one, as Dehra and I drew near, our horses on a
walk.
"It's a pity he has a wife," the other answered. And Dehra frowned.
"They match up well," said a fellow, as we paused a moment at a spring
beside a small road house.
I glanced at Dehra; and got a smile in return.
"That they do. He does not look like a foreigner," was the answer.
"He is Dalberg on the outside, anyway," said a third.
"Then, he is Dalberg inside, too--it starts there, with them," said the
first.
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