270 The ex -Queen of Naples. 



but I threw cold water upon the idea. However, 

 one day the Queen said, " May I ride Chit ? " 



'' No, your Majesty," I replied, " I really dare 

 not let you ride him, he is a horse not at all 

 suited to the purpose, and I hope your Majesty 

 will not mind my saying so." A very gracious 

 reply settled the matter. 



In about a fortnight afterwards Chit was out, 

 being ridden by a smart man, properly attired, 

 and having every appearance of being a good 

 horseman. I enquired of the ex-Queen what part 

 this man was to perform. '* He is to ride Chit 

 after me ! " was the reply. 



" Has your Majesty insured him ? " I enquired, 

 with simulated anxiety. 



" Oh, no ! " the Queen said, nonchalantly ; " he 

 can ride." 



" I do not dispute that, your Majesty ; but he 

 cannot ride upon Chit to follow;)/^//." 



" Now, I do assure you, he can ride beauti- 

 fully ! " insisted the Queen. 



" Well," I added, still unconvinced, " I must 

 say I should be better satisfied if the man were 

 insured, because he is bound to come to grief ! " 



We found a fox at Allithorn and raced over 

 the sfrass in the direction of Weston. In about 

 five fields came the brook ; I reached and jumped 



