I had worked the thing out carefully, and arranged my spring and everything.

But I was unlucky again when the time came.
I remember the occasion well--painfully well.

It was a bright May afternoon.

I had given the carriages up as hopeless--they drove far too soberly--and was taking a forlorn glance up and down the ride at the equestrians, when I perceived a youth approach on a very dashing animal, which, if it was not bolting, was sailing remarkably close to the wind in that direction.

The ride was pretty clear, and the few seconds I had in which to make up my mind were enough for me.