e brought to the door, and a large party
started out for a ride. When we had gone a short distance, she
contrived to let the others get ahead of us, so as to leave us alone
together, for I had got her to dispense with Master John's attendance
when I accompanied her. She then turned up a quiet lane which led to a
common where there was little chance of our meeting anyone, and where
the many bushes, scattered in large clumps over it, were high enough to
conceal us from observation.

Then, without any hesitation, she entered at once on the subject which
engrossed all my thoughts. She said she could not imagine how I could
possibly have discovered her secret, but that as it was clear I had
done so, it was no use for her now to attempt to deny it, and that she
was quite sure I would not make any use of it that could be injurious
to her.

"But don't suppose," said she, "that I am offended at the manner you
took of showing me you had found out my propensity. It was a very good
idea, and I shall be delighted to become better acquainted with my new
friend," at the same time placing her hand upon him. "He is a very
handsome little fellow, but I must tell you frankly that though I shall
be happy to contribute as far as I safely can to afford him amusement,
you must not expect that I can allow him to do what might get me into
most serious difficulties. Perhaps after a time even this may be
managed, but at present it is out of the question, so he must be
contented for the present with the pleasures I can safely afford him."

As she spoke, she continued to unbutton my trousers and remove my
shirt, until she had fairly uncovered her new acquaintance, which
started out under the pressure of her soft fingers showing his head
proudly erect. She loaded it with caresses, at the same time expressing
in the warmest terms her admiration of its size and beauty. I saw at
once from her manner that she had made her mind up on the subject and
that there was no chance of complete success on that occasion at least.
So I resolved to make the best of the opportunity and humour her
inclination, and do all in my power to gratify her in her own way,
trusting that on some more propitious occasion I might obtain my wishes
in their fullest extent.

Ascertaining, therefore, that there was no one in sight and that we
were in such a position as to be able to command a view all round of
some considerable distance so that no one could approach us without
be