I couldn't keep my eyes from turning toward the Princess.

Gee! I could have saved my feelings.

She made mother the prettiest little courtsey I ever set eyes on, and then turned and made a deeper one to Laddie.
"I met your son in one of the village stores some time ago," she said.
"Back her one step farther, please!" Laddie backed the horse, and quicker than you could see how it was done, she flashed up the steps and sat the saddle; but as she leaned over the horse's neck to take the rein from Laddie, he got one level look straight in the eyes that I was sure none of the others saw, because they were not watching for it, and I was.

Laddie bowed from the waist, and put the reins in her fingers all in one movement.

He caught the glance she gave him too; I could almost feel it like a band passing between them.