“Not the least in the world. Do either of you know if my horses have yet arrived?”
“Yes, I understand they came in early this morning, your groom having stayed at Grantham overnight. An old soldier, is he?”
“Yes, an excellent fellow, from my own Troop,” replied Gervase, walking over to the side-table, and beginning to carve a large ham there.
“I say, Gervase, where did you come by that gray?” demanded Martin.
The Earl glanced over his shoulder. “In Ireland. Do you like him?”
“Prime bit of blood! I suppose you mean to take the shine out of us Melton men with him?”
“I haven’t hunted him yet. We shall see how he does. I brought him down to try his paces a little.”
“You won’t hack him during the summer!”
“No, I shan’t do that,” said the Earl gravely.
“My dear Martin, do you imagine that Gervase does not know a great deal more about horses than you?” said Theo.