For once in her life that habitually tranquil lady was restless, and betrayed her trouble.
The young man marked it and was genuinely sorry for her.
She saw it and appealed to him.
"Mr. Silver," she said, taking him suddenly, "is she going to ride?"
The other met her with clearly honest eyes.
"I don't know," he said.
The old lady's distress was obvious.
"Mr. Silver," she said, "please tell me. Do you want her to ride?"
"No!" he cried, almost with indignation. "Of course I don't. I've seen too many Nationals."
"Have you asked her not to?"