“Because Alison was saying he thought it had a bad temper, and I always do feel so nervous about horses that kick and bite.”
“Perhaps you’d like me to be tied on.”
“Now, Ralph, you are making fun of me,” said the lady placidly. “Of course I should not.”
“Or have the groom with me to hold a leading-rein?”
“Nonsense, Ralph, dear; that would be absurd; but if the horse bites, I should like you to make it wear that leather thing over its nose.”
“What?” roared Mr Elthorne.
“The crib-biter’s muzzle, father!” cried Alison, roaring with laughter; and the head of the house uttered a fierce growl.
“I do not see anything to laugh at, Alison,” said the lady reprovingly. “I may not understand much about horses, but I have heard that their bite is very dangerous.”
“Don’t you go near him,” said Mr Elthorne sneeringly. “Al!”
“Yes, father.”