ibed in the last chapter
took place, that Fanny should have her first ride on the day but one
following, by which time it was supposed that the habit would be fit for
service, and the young lady's mind sufficiently familiarised with the
idea, to overcome a rather (as I considered) unnecessary degree of alarm
which I believe would have led her, had she been allowed to decide for
herself, to relinquish it altogether. The only stipulation my mother
insisted on was, that I should accompany my sister in the character of
chaperon, an arrangement to which, as it was quite evident that Lawless
intended to form one of the party, I made no objection. Accordingly,
on the day appointed, Oaklands made his appearance about ten o'clock,
mounted on his favourite horse, and attended by a groom, leading the
grey Arab which was destined to carry Fanny, as well as a saddle-horse
for me.

"Bravo, Harry! it does one good to see you and the 'Cid' together
again," exclaimed I, patting the arched neck of the noble animal; "how
well he is looking!"

"Is he not?" replied Oaklands warmly; "the good old horse knew me as
well as possible, and gave a neigh of pleasure when first I spoke to
him. Is Fanny nearly ready?"

"She will be here directly," replied I; and the words had ~332~~
scarcely escaped my lips when she made her appearance, looking so lovely
in her hat and habit, that I felt sure it would be all over with Lawless
as soon as he saw her.

"Why, Fanny," exclaimed Oaklands, dismounting slowly and with effort,
for he was still lamentably weak, "I have not seen you in a habit so
long, I declare I should scarcely have known you; the effect is quite
magical."

A smile and a blush were her only reply; and Oaklands continued, "Will
you not like to mount now? Lawless will join us; but he means' to
abandon us again when we get near Eversley Gorse, for the superior
attractions of a run with the subscription pack."

"Oh, I hope the hounds will not come in our way," exclaimed Fanny;
"if you think there is any chance of their frightening my horse, I had
better not ride to-day."

"I do not think you need feel the least alarm; though spirited, Rose
Alba is perfectly quiet; besides, we are not bound to ride towards
Eversley, unless you approve of doing so," replied Oaklands.

As he spoke, Lawless rode up just in time to catch the last few words.
He was dressed in an appropriate hunting costume, and sat his horse (a
splendid black hunter, whose f