The trio were on their way to the gate when the new mare uttered a loud whinnying noise which was answered from a distance. There was the sound of hoofs, and directly after North trotted up.
Mary drew a deep breath, and her nervousness in connection with her ride was killed by one greater, which forced her to rouse all, her energies, so as to be calm during the coming encounter.
“Morning,” cried the doctor merrily, as he shook hands with all in turn. “Going to try the new mare?”
“Yes,” said the curate eagerly, while Leo was quiet and distant, and Mary her own calm self. “What do you think of her?”
The doctor, who, like most country gentlemen who keep a nag, considered himself a bit of a judge, looked the mare over, and grew critical.
“Well bred,” he said, at the end of a few moments.
“Oh! I am glad,” said Mary, eager to break the chilly silence that prevailed.
“I meant by descent,” said the doctor merrily. “I don’t know how she behaves.”
“Oh!” ejaculated Mary, in a disappointed tone, while Leo looked on scornfully.
“But she seems quiet?” said the curate anxiously.