it and her little
scarlet cap, which she was fond of wearing when she rode with Dumpy
Dad. Her scarlet ribbons kept her hair tied tightly back--those long,
thick, magnificent black locks of hers. As a rule, when she rode with
her father she wore her hair unbound, floating wildly in the breeze;
but she thought Lightning Speed would like her best to-night in her
present attire. She had chosen an old habit of dark Lincoln green.
She glanced at herself for a moment in the glass. Why _would_ her head
keep aching, aching, when she _looked_ so well, when her cheeks were so
bright and her great black eyes so sparkling?

It is true that when she touched her forehead she felt it feverishly
hot, but she could not be in any way ill; that was impossible. She had
never looked better, and looks would sometimes show signs of illness.
How bad, for instance, poor Leuchy had looked after she, Hollyhock, had
played the prank on her; how withered up, like an apple all
overripe--her eyes so dim, her scanty locks so faded! Well, she must
not think of Leuchy now; only she would have been a little happier if
Leuchy had given her the kiss she had asked for.

The maids of England were cold. She, Hollyhock, could not understand
them, could not attempt to fathom them. She crept softly downstairs,
gathering her habit over her arm.

The moon was now full and at its height. She would reach the gap in
the gorge just at the critical moment. The adventure _was_ a wee bit
dangerous--she had to acknowledge that to herself--a wee bit, no more!

She reached the stable where Lightning Speed was waiting for her. She
had put two or three apples into the pocket of her habit. She gave one
to her darling Arab as she prepared him for his ride. Quickly he was
ready. The girl saw that the girths of the side-saddle were right,
tight, and sure. She took all possible precautions, for if she were to
die or hurt herself it would be bad; but if Lightning Speed were to
hurt his precious self, it would be, according to Hollyhock, a thousand
times worse. The horse neighed at the caress and the apple, and
Hollyhock let him peep into the little reserve of apples in the pocket
at her side, which were all to be his when the great feat was
accomplished.

It seemed to her that Lightning Speed knew her very thoughts. He
sniffed gratefully. She sprang lightly on his back, having first
secured the door of the stable.

A minute later they were off and away. Sh