ce watched with much interest the arrangements making for this feat.
Fresh sawdust was sprinkled over the arena, the ropes of the trapezes
were lowered and tested: evidently the feat was a difficult one, and
needed careful preparation. M. Aristide and M. Joachin took their places
on the suspended bars, the ring-master cleared the circle, and Mignon
rode in at a gallop. Three times she went round the arena at full speed,
then she was snatched from the horse's back by the long arm of M.
Aristide extended from the trapeze above. Pluto galloped steadily on.
One second only M. Aristide held Mignon poised in air, then he flung her
lightly across the space to M. Joachin, who as lightly caught her,
waited a second, and, as Pluto passed beneath, dropped her upon his
back. It looked fearfully dangerous; all depended upon the exact time at
which each movement was executed. The whole audience caught its breath,
but Mignon did not seem to be frightened. Her little face was quite
unruffled as the strong men tossed her to and fro, her limbs and dress
fell into graceful lines as she went through the air; it was really like
a bird's flight. Alice's hands were squeezed tightly together, she could
hardly breathe. Ah!--Pluto was an instant too late, or M. Joachin a
second too soon,--which was it? Mignon missed the saddle,--grazed it
with her foot, fell,--striking one of the wooden supports of the tent
with her head as she touched the ground. There was a universal thrill
and shudder. Mr. Currie hurried up, Pluto faltered in his pace, whinnied
and ran back to where his little mistress lay. But in one moment Mignon
was on her feet again, making her graceful courtesy and kissing her
hand, though she looked very pale. The curtain fell rapidly. Alice,
looking anxiously that way, had a vague idea that she saw Mignon drop
down again, but Aunty said, "How fortunate that that sweet little thing
was not hurt;" and Alice, being used to finding Aunty always in the
right, felt her heart lightened. They went out, following the audience,
who were all praising Mignon, and saying that it might have been a
terrible accident; and, for their part, it didn't seem right to let
children run such risks, and they were thankful that the little dear was
not injured. Many a child envied Mignon that night; many dreamed of
silver spangles, galloping steeds, roses, applause, and waked up
thinking how charming it must be to live on a horse's back with music
always playing,