There was a dismal delight in these musings; and Rose went round and round the fish-pond, revelling, so to speak, in them.
As her watch pointed to three, one of the stable-helpers came round from the stables leading two horses.

She knew them--one was Mr.Stanford's, the other Kate's.

A moment later, and Mr.Stanford and Kate appeared on the front steps, "booted and spurred," and ready for their ride.

The Englishman helped his lady into the saddle, adjusted her long skirt, and sprang lightly across his own steed.

Rose would have given a good deal to be miles away; but the fish-pond must be passed, and she, the "maiden forlorn," must be seen.