"Yes."
"Not Bess, I hope?" alluding to a very objectionable young mare in the stables.
"Yes," says Sir Christopher again. "Why not?"
"She is utterly unsafe. About the worst thing in chestnuts I ever met. I took her out myself the other day—rode her straight from this to Grange; and I confess, I should not care to do it again. Take one of the other horses, and let that beast lie quiet until you can get rid of her."
"Nonsense!" says Sir Christopher, scornfully; "I wouldn't part with her for any money. She is the greatest beauty this side of the county."
"Her beauty is her one point; for the rest, she is vindictive and ill-mannered."
"Don't do anything foolish, dearest," says Dulce, with her eyes large and frightened. "Do listen to Fabian."
"And let myself be conquered by a pettish chestnut, at my age," says Sir Christopher, lightly—he had been a famous horseman in his day. "My dear child, you don't understand, and there are moments when Fabian romances. To satisfy you, however, I shall take George with me."
"'Wilful man must have his way,'" quotes Fabian, with a slight shrug. "Before I go out, shall I look over those accounts with Slyme?"
"Where are you going?"