"I must get back to the hotel.

Can you-- ?" Keith forestalled her.
"May I help you up ?' "Thanks.

Do you know how to mount me ?" "I think so," he said airily, and stepped up close to her, to lift her by the elbows to her saddle.

She put out a foot clad in a very pretty, neat shoe.

She evidently expected Keith to let her step into his hand.
He knew of this mode of helping a lady up, but he had never tried it.
And, though he stooped and held his hand as if quite accustomed to it, he was awkward about it, and did not lift her; so she did not get up.
"I don't think you can do it that way," said the girl.
"I don't think so either," said Keith.