"They don't go into the dew," said Harold. And as he was always out
with the lark, even Dora seldom saw this practice; but there were
always new holes very near the centre of the target, which Eustace
said proved how true was his own aim.
Harvest came, and in the middle of it the great archery match of the
year, which was held in the beautiful grounds of Mr. Vernon, the
member for Northchester, a little way from the town.
"I suppose Harry may as well go," said Eustace; "but he has not
practised at all, so it will be of little avail. Now if I had not
grazed my hand, I should have scored quite as much as Miss Horsman
last week. It all lies in caring about it."
And severe was his lecture to Harold against foolishly walking in and
making his hand unsteady. Yet, after all, when the carriage came to
the door, Harold was not to be found, though his bow and arrows were
laid ready with ours to be taken. He endured no other apparatus.
The inside of his fingers was like leather, and he declared that tabs
and guard only hampered him. Lady Diana had yielded to her
daughter's entreaties, and brought her to see the contest, though
only as a spectator. As I stood shy and far from sanguine among the
lady archers, I felt out of my natural place, and glad she was under
her mother's wing, she looked so fair and innocent in her delicate
blue and white, and was free for such sweet ardour in our cause, all
the prettier and more arch because its demonstrations were kept down
with the strong hand of her mother.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238