"Let us have a canter!" cried Lady Dora, starting off down an avenue of the _Bois de Boulogne_, where the sand deadened the sound of their flying horses' feet. It was a lovely day, and there were groups of equestrians. They had ridden some time, when they met three or four gentlemen together. After bowing _en passant_, Lord Randolph suddenly stopped-- "That's Gillingham!" he exclaimed; "and riding the very horse he wants me to buy. Lady Dora, may I leave you five minutes, _à regret_, however, on my own account, under Tremenhere's care. I will rejoin you near the pond." She merely bowed. "Beware of the '_Mare au Diable_!'" cried Tremenhere to him, as he cantered off. "Have you read George Sand's tale of that name?" asked he of Lady Dora. "No; that is, I am not certain of having done so--what is the plot?" "Oh! one full of intense interest; simply told, and of simple persons. It may not interest you." "I like simplicity," she replied. "Do you? I am glad to hear that. True feeling is _always_ simple, meek, and confiding." "But the tale?" she asked, to change his tone. She wanted time to prepare herself for a _tête-à-tête_. She began to fear her own sudden impulses. "Well," he said, "the plot is told in a few words; 'tis the working out of various feelings which is so perfect:--A man loves a girl whom he should not love---- "Why?" and she stilled her heart, and looked calmly at him. "Because _he_ was rich, and _she_ only a poor, simple, peasant girl. Could I _reverse_ the case, I might find tongue to speak more eloquently on the subject; as it is, I can only tell your ladyship facts." "And what were these facts?" "They journeyed together, on horseback--_not_ as _we_ are doing, but in more primitive style, she on a pillion behind him. _He was a young widower_"--(these words were each distinctly articulated)--"and his boy rode before him, on his knee: 'tis a pretty scene! Night, however, comes on, and they lose their way, and at last find themselves beside the _'Mare au Diable_,' noted as fatal to all approaching it; and beside this they pass the night." "And?" she asked, deeply interested. "The place _was_ fatal; for Love was the spirit there. Probably," he added, laughing, "as _Le Diable_ is often said to '_émporte l'amour_,' he might have brought him to that spot. Certain it is, there he was, and he prompted two, to know their own hearts who had never known them before." "I am all impatience for the conclusion." "I am a bad story-teller; besides, the case is so _completely_ against _my_ position, that I cannot fully, soulfully, enter into it; however, I will satisfy your ladyship's impatience. Hearts _will_ speak at last--theirs did; and he, for her sake, relinquished a rich marriage, station, all--and married the simple girl." "And was happy?" "Blest--so the tale has it; and never looked back to the '_Mare au Diable_' without a feeling of gratitude. Here we are at the pond, Lady Dora. I wonder where Lord Randolph is!"