These earrings are my very favourite darling ones; but the worst of it is that they have such short hooks that they are liable to be dropped if I toss my head about much, and when I am riding I can't give my mind to them.

It would be doing me knight service if you keep your eyes fixed upon them, and remember them every minute of the day, and tell me directly I drop one.

They have had such hairbreadth escapes, haven't they, Unity ?' she continued to the parlour-maid who was standing at the door.
'Yes, miss, that they have!' said Unity with round-eyed commiseration.
'Once 'twas in the lane that I found one of them,' pursued Elfride reflectively.
'And then 'twas by the gate into Eighteen Acres,' Unity chimed in.
'And then 'twas on the carpet in my own room,' rejoined Elfride merrily.
'And then 'twas dangling on the embroidery of your petticoat, miss; and then 'twas down your back, miss, wasn't it?
And oh, what a way you was in, miss, wasn't you?
my! until you found it!' Stephen took Elfride's slight foot upon his hand: 'One, two, three, and up!' she said.
Unfortunately not so.

He staggered and lifted, and the horse edged round; and Elfride was ultimately deposited upon the ground rather more forcibly than was pleasant.

Smith looked all contrition.
'Never mind,' said the vicar encouragingly; 'try again! 'Tis a little accomplishment that requires some practice, although it looks so easy.
Stand closer to the horse's head, Mr.Smith.' 'Indeed, I shan't let him try again,' said she with a microscopic look of indignation.