IN THE BIDING-SCHOOL. 99 



especial scrutiny. Dress at home, if possible ; 

 if not, go to the school early, and array yourself 

 rapidly, but carefully, for there may be fifty 

 riders present during the evening, and there 

 will be little room to spare on the mounting- 

 stand, and no minutes to waste on buttoning 

 gloves, shortening skirt straps or tightening 

 boot lacings. Remember all that you have been 

 taught about mounting and about taking your 

 reins, and think assiduously of it, with a deter- 

 mination to pay no attention to the gallery. 



There will be no spectators on the mounting- 

 stand, and Theodore, who will take charge of 

 you in the ring, will mount before you do, and 

 when you have been put in your saddle by one 

 of the masters, and start, he will take his place 

 on your right, nearer the centre of the ring. 

 While you are walking your horses slowly about, 

 turning corners carefully and never ceasing to 

 control your reins, warn him that when you say, 

 " Centre," he must turn out to the right in- 

 stantly, that you also may do so. If possible, 

 you will not pronounce the word, but will ride 

 as long as the horses canter or trot in time to 

 the music. 



