Page 34 of The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady

Harry noticed that Miss Nora was an excellent rider as they rode through the grazing fields and he pointed out the distinguishing features of his breed of cattle. She appeared to be interested and asked the kind of intelligent questions that another cattle breeder might ask.

As they moved amongst the cattle, Harry noticed that several cows in his heard were drooling, which was not normal, and it troubled him. He would need to come back later to examine the cows close up.

As they were leaving the field, Harry asked, “Are you still interested in trying your hand at fishing?”

“Of course,” she said with a big smile. “I have been looking forward to it ever since you suggested you mighttryto teach me.” She laughed. “I am not saying I shall be successful, but I should like to give it a go.”

Harry led in a gallop toward his fishing stream and Nora kept up all the way.

After securing the horses, Harry took two fishing rods out of his saddlebag and put them together.

“Now then, let us begin the instruction,” he said and led the way to the bank of the stream.

He showed her all that was necessary for her to begin by first showing her his technique, and then he put his rod down and stood beside her as she cast her first fly. He could not help but notice the very pleasing perfume she was wearing and how elegant she looked as she began to practice casting.

“Very good, Miss Nora,” he encouraged. “But see if you might cast a little further out. You see on the other bank there are a number of bubbles floating on the surface by that sunken log?”

“Yes.”

“Try to cast there if you can. It is an excellent spot for trout, as they like to hide under that downed tree and are likely to bite.”

She threw a couple of casts and the third one landed exactly right.

“Excellent. Now wait just a moment.”

And he no sooner said that, than Miss Nora let out a yelp and pulled hard on the line.

“I think I have one,” she squealed.

“Very well, give a yank and begin to reel it in.”

She became very excited and moved closer to the edge of the bank as she frantically reeled the trout toward her. Harry held the fishing net at the ready to secure the fish as it neared, but just as he was about to snag the fish, Nora slipped on the wet grass at the edge of the bank, and letting out a cry, twisted and fell into the stream with a terrific splash and a loud cry.

Harry waded in after her, grabbed her by the arm, and lifted her up.

“Oh, I think I hurt my ankle,” she pleaded as she tried to limp to the bank.

“One moment,” he said, as he picked her up into his arms and sloshed through the stream to the bank where he set her down on both feet while still supporting her.

“There. How does it feel?” He asked, as he stood next to her while she attempted to walk. But she collapsed against his shoulder and hung on to him.

“I don’t think I can,” She said with a pitiful look and a plaintive cry.

“Then let me help you. Do you think you can ride?”

“I think so.”

He picked her up again and she leaned her head against his shoulder as he carried her to her horse. He lifted her up and made certain she was secure in her saddle before letting go of her.

“Let me get the tackle and then I will accompany you home.”

“To your place?” she asked.

“No, to your grandparents. Is that not what you want?”

She appeared to hesitate, then said, “I should so like some tea and to dry myself off first before I go back to my grandparents. I would hate for them to think I am completely useless, falling into a stream on my first fishing lesson.” She smiled sweetly at him.

Harry laughed. “Very well… tea and a dry out. I think that can be arranged. And I shall send someone to fetch my doctor.”