Of course the man knew who he was—the news had spread all over the Court in five minutes!—and was respectful, and in a second or two more than that; for Blair's manner was as pleasant with high, low, Jack, and the game all round.
"Some good horses," he said.
The man shook his head doubtfully.
"Some, my lord," he assented. "But not what they ought to be for so big a place—begging your lordship's pardon. You see his lordship the earl only has the carriage horses—and them only once now and again—and there's nobody to ride. I try to keep 'em up, but a man loses heart like, my lord."
"I understand," said Lord Blair, sympathetically. "It's a pity. Such a fine hunting country."
"Ah, isn't it, my lord!" said the man with a sigh. "If the earl 'ud only take the hounds—but there"—and he sighed again.
Lord Blair went up to a big black horse and smacked him, a little attention which the animal responded to by launching out viciously.
"Nice nag!" said Lord Blair, approvingly.
"All but his temper, my lord," said the man. "He's as crooked-minded a hoss as ever I see."
Lord Blair laughed.