FOUNDER OF HIS RACE 55 



"Some day," went on Mistress Lloyd, "my father will 

 buy you for me and I shall take you down to Mary- 

 land — I want Tom Dulaney to see you !" True could 

 hear by the tones of her voice as she mentioned his name 

 that this Tom Dulaney must be a personage of conse- 

 quence. "You are small, and some might say not lean 

 enough to hunt, but you are the dearest animal I ever 

 won the love of!" For 'twas ever the habit of this fair 

 maid to weave her spell over animals, and well aware 

 was she of their response ! 



Then, oh, miracle of delights ! as she finished tying 

 the strand she kissed his straight face with lips that 

 looked and smelled like crimson clover blossoms wet 

 with dew. 



This perfumed dream was broken by a disagreeable 

 laugh, and a well-bred but none the less offensive voice 

 said : 



'The brute will bite you. Mistress." 



It was the Coxcomb speaking. 



'T am afraid of no horse living, Master Knicker- 

 bocker," she gave reply, quietly ; then looking straight 

 at him, she finished, "horses are often truer than men." 



She turned quickly and joined her father. 



