"You somewhat nearly damaged that poor youthful counter-jumper, my dear,"said the Count, advancing hastily to meet Emilie. "Do you not know howto hold your horse in?--And there you leave me to compromise mydignity in order to screen your folly; whereas if you had but stopped,one of your looks, or one of your beautiful speeches--one of those youcan make so prettily when you are not pert--would have set everythingright, even if you had broken his arm."