220 rate's day with the old horse 



" What is that madcap daughter of mine about 

 now ? " exclaimed old Preece, as Polly broke from 

 the throng and sent her horse along over the turf at 

 a rattling gallop, followed by two or three of her 

 admirers. 



From the steps to the line of elms no fence was 

 visible to the spectators, and yet before reaching 

 the avenue, three of the horses rose at some- 

 thing, and the fourth and his rider seemed to be 

 swallowed up. 



" Good heavens ! young Voyle is down in the 

 Park fence," cried Preece ; and sure enough the 

 exquisite from Dublin shortly after emerged from 

 the abyss, his hat crushed, his breeches smirched, 

 and his temper somewhat soured by the loss of a 

 good horse. 



" Eeally, Mr Preece, you must curb that young 

 lady's pluck ; she will break her neck some day if 

 you don't take care," suggested an elderly friend. 



" Break her neck," growled old Preece; "it isn't 

 pluck, it is folly ; wait until she has had a fall ; 

 you'll see she will learn better." 



Kate had been sitting a quiet spectator of this 

 little episode, though the old horse had backed 

 and fidgetted with impatient desire to join in the 

 fun. 



As Polly rode back from the fence she caught 



