In the second act she apparently changed her personality with her
clothes, and whirled in astride over two horses with neither saddle nor
bridle, guiding them and keeping them together by the pressure of her
feet. She had full skirts, to her knees, of white satin, and
pearl-coloured silk stockings. Her satin bodice was cut heart-shaped
and there was a high jewelled band round her long throat. Her hair
hung down in a thick plait, tied with a bow of blue velvet.
The horses tore round the ring at full gallop; she jumped over gates
and through hoops, and ended her performance by leaping off one of the
horses which was caught by a groom, and flinging herself on to the
other, face to the tail, for a final reckless canter round the arena.
The brilliance and nerve with which she carried through the trick,
roused the enthusiasm it deserved, and Arithelli passed out panting and
triumphant to the accompaniment of music and cheers, and showered roses
and carnations.
The part of her work that she most abhorred was the eight o'clock
compulsory visit to the stables.
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