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Vronsky was at the head of the race, just as he wanted to be and

as Cord had advised, and now he felt sure of being the winner.

His excitement, his delight, and his tenderness for Frou-Frou

grew keener and keener. He longed to look round again, but he did

not dare do this, and tried to be cool and not to urge on his

mare so to keep the same reserve of force in her as he felt that

Gladiator still kept. There remained only one obstacle, the most

difficult; if he could cross it ahead of the others he would come

in first. He was flying towards the Irish barricade, Frou-Frou

and he both together saw the barricade in the distance, and both

the man and the mare had a moment's hesitation. He saw the

uncertainty in the mare's ears and lifted the whip, but at the

same time felt that his fears were groundless; the mare knew what

was wanted.