Page:Nalkowska - Kobiety (Women).djvu/21

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He is quite close to me. One instant I am hot as fire; but I do not draw away from him, nor put my hands behind me. Standing motionless, with my half-averted head bent down close to the horse's mane, I answer calmly:

"I will not."

Janusz, with dog-like obedience, shrinks back, and stands a few paces away.

"Let us go home now," I say after a short silence; "but you must let me ride your horse."

"With the utmost pleasure; but then, how will you manage for a saddle?"

"Oh, that's all right. Even on your saddle, I can contrive to ride woman-fashion. Only you will have to arrange the stirrup."

I leap into the saddle, my foot just touching his hand. Janusz himself settles it in the stirrup, which he shortens for me. As he does so, I once more see a glow sweep over his face.

"Pray allow me to lead the horse. It is restive, and may throw you."

"No, thanks; I am not in the least afraid."

On a sudden, with an unexpected movement, he catches hold of me, and presses his face hard against my knees.

At the same instant nearly, I give the horse