Charlesworth did well in the men's event,
securing two first prizes and a third, and Noreen could not help admiring
him in the saddle. He was a graceful as well as a good rider. Indeed, he
was No. 2 in the regimental polo team, which was one of the best in India
at the time.
When the moment for their competition came at last and he swung her
up into her saddle, Noreen's heart beat violently and her bridle-hand
shook. But when, after other couples had ridden the course, their names
were called and a billiard-cue given her, the girl's nerves steadied at
once and she was perfectly cool as she reined back her impatient pony at
the starting-line. The signal was given, and she and her partner dashed
down the course at a gallop. They did well, Charlesworth securing the
two pegs and cutting the Turk's head, while his affinity carried off two
rings and touched the third. No others had been as fortunate, and cheers
from the soldiers and plaudits from the enclosure greeted their success.
Noreen was encouraged, and a becoming colour flushed her face at the
applause. The last couple to ride tied with them, the lady taking all
the rings, her partner getting the Turk's head and one peg and touching
the second. The tie was run off at once. Noreen, to her delight, found
the three rings on her cue when she pulled up at the end of the course,
although she hardly remembered taking them, while Charlesworth had made
no mistake.
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