The Colonel was polite but not effusive, having developed a rooted dislike to junior unmarried officers as soon as he found out that Anita had to grow up, like other human beings.
Broussard felt himself in Paradise when he was walking with Anita along the moonlit plaza toward the riding hall.

Outside, troopers were leading the restless horses up and down.

Pretty Maid did not belie her name, and was the best behaved, as she was the handsomest, of all the mounts of the young ladies.

Broussard's Gamechick, a perfectly trained cavalry charger, with an eye and ear of beautiful intelligence, had not his superior among the horses.

Sergeant McGillicuddy, who was the best man with horses at Fort Blizzard, was sauntering about, looking at the horses approvingly and saying to all who cared to hear: "As good a lot of nags as ever I see, and every blarsted one of 'em has got four legs.