ining of her mange, the generous
young colts were hard to break. Ethel, at this time, was especially
stubborn in training, rebellious to the whip, and wild under harness;
and the way in which Lady Kew managed her won the admiration of her
family: for it was a maxim among these folks that no one could manage
Ethel but Lady Kew. Barnes said no one could manage his sister but
his grandmother. He couldn't, that was certain. Mamma never tried, and
indeed was so good-natured, that rather than ride the filly, she would
put the saddle on her own back and let the filly ride her; no, there was
no one but her ladyship capable of managing that girl, Barnes owned, who
held Lady Kew in much respect and awe. "If the tightest hand were not
kept on her, there's no knowing what she mightn't do," said her
brother. "Ethel Newcome, by Jove, is capable of running away with the
writing-master."

After poor Jack Belsize's mishap and departure, Barnes's own bride
showed no spirit at all, save one of placid contentment. She came at
call and instantly, and went through whatever paces her owner demanded
of her. She laughed whenever need was, simpered and smiled when spoken
to, danced whenever she was asked; drove out at Barnes's side in Kew's
phaeton, and received him certainly not with warmth, but with politeness
and welcome. It is difficult to describe the scorn with which her
sister-in-law regarded her. The sight of the patient timid little thing
chafed Ethel, who was always more haughty and flighty and bold when in
Clara's presence than at any other time. Her ladyship's brother, Captain
Lord Viscount Rooster, before mentioned, joined the family party at
this interesting juncture. My Lord Rooster found himself surprised,
delighted, subjugated by Miss Newcome, her wit and spirit. "By Jove, she
is a plucky one," his lordship exclaimed. "To dance with her is the best
fun in life. How she pulls all the other girls to pieces, by Jove, and
how splendidly she chaffs everybody! But," he added with the shrewdness
and sense of humour which distinguished the young officer, "I'd rather
dance with her than marry her--by a doosid long score--I don't envy you
that part of the business, Kew, my boy." Lord Kew did not set himself up
as a person to be envied. He thought his cousin beautiful: and with
his grandmother, that she would make a very handsome Countess; and he
thought the money which Lady Kew would give or leave to the young couple
a very welcome additi