Chapter 3: The Riding Lesson Summary

After the incident in the rafters, Kate's behavior is improved. Father and son, with the help of hired men, tend to the ranch while Kate spends her time with the mother. Jansci enjoys spending time with the herdsmen, who tell him stories and teach him ranching skills. He's fascinated by their lifestyle, which is very different from his own.

Kate breaks the remaining ice between cousins by complimenting Jancsi's riding skill. Jancsi offers to teach her to ride. Kate, who is tired of helping the mother with embroideries, is thrilled with the idea, even offering to split her skirt in the manner of Jancsi's riding pants. The next day, Jancsi shows Kate around the ranch. At one point, as Kate rolls on the ground in a fit of laughter, Jancsi notices that Kate has literally split her...