Colonel Fortescue stood up and returned the salute as the riders passed, two by two.

Next began the scene of beautiful horsemanship, pure and simple, winding up with the Virginia reel, done by the riders on horseback, as the band played the old reel, "Billy in the Low Grounds." Then came the last feature of all; the ride formed again, and, suddenly quickening their pace to a full gallop, started upon the circuit of the hall.

They swept around the circle at a sharp gallop, the clanking spurs and rattling sabres keeping time to the roar of the music.

Anita was riding like a bird on the wing and Pretty Maid, who had behaved with her usual grace and decorum, opening and shutting her stride like a machine.

Just as she got in front of the C.O.'s box the mare suddenly lost her head.