While Reuben was harnessing Dapple, Miss Warren entered the barn, saying:
"I feel a little remorseful over my treatment of Old Plod, and think I will go and speak to him."
"May I be present at the interview?"
"Certainly."
Either the old horse had grown duller and heavier than ever, or else was offended by her long neglect, for he paid her but little attention, and kept his head down in his manger.
"Dapple would not treat you like that, even if you hadn't a lump of sugar in your hand."
"Dapple is peculiar," she remarked.
"Do you mean a little ill-balanced? He was certainly very precipitate on one occasion."
"Yes, but he had the grace to stop before he did any harm."
"But suppose he couldn't stop? Did Old Plod give you any more advice?"