by the roadside; they made
a sudden rush, and their mistress all at once found herself quite unable
to hold them. There was no immediate danger, the road being both good
and clear, but as they went on, their pace, instead of subsiding, seemed
to increase. The carriage was not of the low build of these days, and
the servant hesitated to risk a jump from his perch at the back.
Meantime a corner was in sight, which it would be hazardous to turn at
this pace. Mary sat, pale and terrified, only just sufficiently mistress
of herself not to scream when suddenly, two men appeared coming towards
them round the dreaded corner. In another moment the adventure was
over--the ponies had been stopped by one of the two strangers, and were
standing panting but subdued; and Helen, recovering her self-possession
the moment she was out of danger, was leaning forward to pour out
thanks and explanations.

Mary, having less to do, had more leisure to look at the new-comers.
They were both young, and dressed like English gentlemen, but they had
both something foreign and unusual in their appearance. But there was
this difference--that the foreign aspect was of a kind singularly
attractive in the one, and unattractive in the other. One might have
been a Frenchman of _mauvais ton_, but that he spoke English like an
American. The other, who resembled a very handsome Spaniard, spoke with
a slight French accent, and in a remarkably musical voice. The handsome
one, indeed, spoke very little--it was he who had first stepped into the
road and caught the runaway ponies; but having done so, he left his
companion to take the lead in replying to Mrs. Churchill's civilities.
And when she finally begged to know their names, in order that her
husband might also express his gratitude, it was the unprepossessing one
who produced his card, and, having written an address upon it, gave it
to her, saying that it would serve for both. He and his friend were fond
of long walks, he added, neither of them being used to London life, and
that was the cause of their being so fortunate as to have been of use
to the ladies. He ended this little speech with an elaborate bow, his
companion raised his hat, and they parted.

The ponies went home quietly enough, and Helen took care to look after
her driving. She handed the card to Mary, who read on it, "Mr. Bailey,"
and an address, which Helen said was probably that of a lodging.

"I should like to know who the other is," sh