Page:Lesbia Newman - Dalton - 1889.djvu/21

 could she wear to begin learning in? You wouldn’t have a young lady mount a bicycle in flowing robes, would you, Kit?’

‘No, I wouldn’t have a young lady mount a bicycle at all. But it seems to be your mission in life, Theo, to outrage its proprieties.’

‘On the whole, I am disposed to agree with that remark,’ returned Mr Bristley coolly.

Before his wife could reply, Lesbia presented herself at the door, in her muddy costume, with a healthy glow on her face and her eyes sparkling.

‘Well, how did you get on?’ asked her uncle.

‘Oh, capitally; I rode about twenty yards by myself several times before tipping down. I haven’t learnt a proper dismount yet. I got one cropper, but not what you may call the real orthodox straight dive over the head.’

‘Enough to shake you though, I’m afraid. Feel any headache?’

‘Nothing to signify. I shall get used to it after a few more.

‘And, pray,’ inquired her mother ceremoniously, ‘did the—the public volunteer any observations?’

‘They were quite welcome to,’ answered the girl; ‘but I saw no public except three gentlemen—of the Frogmore club, it seems—who happened to pass on high bicycles just as I got my cropper. They called out ‘Bravo!’ and dismounted. One of them picked up my prostrate machine, and we had some general chat about bicycles and roads and makers and prices before they went on.’ She paused, and added,—‘They want me to join the club and rode about with the members, half-a-dozen or so at a time. What do you say, Uncle Spines?’

‘And didn’t they sing in chorus, ‘For she’s a jolly good fellow?’ asked her mother, in the same manner as before.