Dora was pleased to stand and look at him; his movements struck her as athletic and graceful.

He was now so near that she felt she ought to make her presence known.

She stepped out upon the fresh straw, intending to move a little out of his way and then accost him, but he spoke first.
"Good," he said; "don't you want to take hold of this mare by the forelock, as I am doing, and keep her here until I get a halter ?" And as he spoke he turned toward Miss Bannister.
His face was a handsome one, fully equal in quality to his height, his shoulders, and his grace of movement.

His blue eyes opened wide at the sight of the young lady in gray hat and ostrich plumes, fashionable driving costume edged with fur, for the spring air was yet cool, and bright silk parasol, for the spring sun was beginning to be warm.

With almost a stammer, he said:-- "I beg your pardon, I thought it was my sister I heard behind me." "Oh, it doesn't matter in the least," said Dora, with a charming smile; "I am Miss Bannister.