英 语 学 习 资 料 1(6)

Her first few balls, she had none the less been full of hope, dreaming of an encounter with a vigorous, just man; a man who didn’t feel intimidated by a spirited woman. Instead she’d only met asses and pedantics. The very notion that they might try to kiss her made her stomach heave. As for the sisterhood... she might as well just be buried alive!
Almost as though to escape those thoughts, she urged her mount faster still.
A shot rang out; the bang startled her mount... The reins slid from her fingers and Renée struck the ground.

François de Montsorot jumped; he could’ve sworn he’d heard a horse whinny followed by a cry immediately after he had fired his musket. A rider may have had an accident.
Just then through the woods a handsome white mare came galloping up, apparently having lost her rider. Spurring his mount on, he reached out to catch hold of the reins which hung loosely across the animal’s left flank. Gripping them firmly, he brought the fine animal to a halt.
Dismounting, he approached the strange horse and stroked her flank.