THE ORANGE ROOM Some weeks later, on a bright and frosty morning in December, Dorothea rode into Axcester with her brothers.

She was a good horsewoman and showed to advantage on horseback, when her slight figure took a grace of movement which made amends for her face.

To-day the brisk air and a canter across the bridge at the foot of the hill had brought roses to her cheeks, and she looked almost pretty.

General Rochambeau happened to pass down the street as the three drew rein before the Town House (so the Westcotes always called the Bank-office), and, pausing to help her dismount, paid her a very handsome compliment.
Dorothea knew, of course, that Frenchmen were lavish of compliments, and had heard General Rochambeau pay them where she felt sure they were not deserved.

Nevertheless she found this one pleasant--she had received so few--and laughed happily.