174 THE COACHING ERA 



sinister figure of a horseman evidently waiting for 

 some one. The knight had every reason to beheve 

 that some one was himself — and his money-bags, and he 

 hastened to acquaint his wife with his suspicion. To 

 show that she, at any rate, was not afraid she took out 

 her flageolet and began to play a lively air. Apparently, 

 one of these instruments was considered part of a 

 fashionable highwayman's equipment, for Claude Du 

 Vail produced a similar instrument, and riding up to the 

 coach he bowed low and asked if the lady would honour 

 him with a dance. 



The lady finding herself suddenly in the midst of such 

 an unexpefted and delicious romance assented willingly. 

 Her husband only too glad of anything that distradled 

 attention from his money-bags did nothing to deter 

 her, saying to the highwayman: "I dare not deny any- 

 thing, sir, to one of your quality and good behaviour; 

 you seem a gentleman and your request is very reason- 

 able." 



Du Vail then handed the lady from her carriage with 

 courtly grace, and together they danced on the heath, 

 whilst the servants looked on and wondered, and the 

 knight thought of his money-bags. For want of a better 

 orchestra, Du Vail sang the "currant" himself. When 

 the performance was over, and the lady resumed her 

 seat, the knight would have driven off, but Du Vail 

 with the greatest politeness stopped him suavely. "Sir, 

 you forget to pay for the music." 



The knight took the delicate hint and drew out a 

 bag containing a hundred pounds. Du Vail accepted it, 



