"Yes, these will do nicely," said Nan; "and now, children, you must sit
here quietly till the circus is over, and I shall come and fetch you at
half-past four."
The children now had time to look about. A large plot of grass had been
encircled with a low wooden fence, hung with more red cloth. Inside this
ring some of the grass had been taken up, so that there was a narrow
path where the horses would canter right round the ring. Quite close to
the children was an elegant carriage--wagon-shaped--where the musicians
sat, and made a great noise with their instruments. One of the men
played the drum and cymbals at the same time. On their right the tent
was open and led out on to the meadow, and this was the entrance for the
horses and performers.
After playing the same tune through seven times, the band changed its
music and began a quick, lively air, and in came trotting, mounted on a
black horse with a white nose, a rather elderly lady with golden hair.
She did not sit on an ordinary saddle, but on what appeared to be an
oval tea-tray covered with blue satin. Behind her followed a serious,
dignified gentleman, who was busily cracking a long whip. His name, the
twins soon learned, was Mr. Brooks, for so all the performers addressed
him.
The lady rode twice round the ring, and on dismounting kissed her hands
to the audience in a friendly manner.
"I want to introduce to you, ladies and gentlemen, my wonderful
performing horse Diamond.
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