The footman, in his fright, had leaped from
behind the carriage, and was following with the crowd. With that
self-forgetfulness which was one of his chief characteristics,
Jerome threw himself before the horses to stop them; and, seizing
the high-spirited animals by the bit, as they dashed by him, he
was dragged several rods before their speed was checked, which was
not accomplished until one of the horses had fallen to the ground,
with the heroic man struggling beneath him.
All present were satisfied that this daring act alone had saved the
lady's life, for the chaise must inevitably have been dashed in
pieces, had the horses not been thus suddenly checked in their mad
career.
On the morning following this perilous adventure, Col. G----called
at Jerome's temporary residence, and, after expressing his
admiration for his noble daring, and thanking him for having saved
his daughter's life, invited him to visit him at his country
residence. This invitation was promptly accepted in the spirit in
which it was given ; and three days after, Jerome found himself at
the princely residence of the father of the lady for whose safety
he had risked his own life. The house was surrounded by fine
trees, and a sweet little stream ran murmuring at the foot,
while beds of flowers on every hand shed their odors on the summer
air. It was, indeed, a pleasant place to spend the warm weather,
and the colonel and his family gave Jerome a most cordial welcome.
Miss G.
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