‘Alone, and in a rough country like this, no doubt.’
‘N—no. I must say I have never before ridden alone in a country like this.’
‘Well,’ said Michael, indifferently, and more for something to say than for any feeling he had about it, ‘it was not a safe expedition, and I rather wonder that your brother allowed it.’
‘Oh, I know perfectly well that Otho would not allow it, so I seized upon the opportunity while he was away.’
‘Ah, he is away?’
‘Yes. He has gone to some place called Friarsdale. I don’t know where that is. Can you tell me?’
‘Easily. It is over beyond Swaledale and Wensleydale; a good way off, and very out of the way; but, of course, that makes it all the better fitted for your brother’s purpose. It is a good place for the stables, and capital exercise for the——’
‘Stables!’ echoed she, quickly. ‘Has Otho got stables there?’
‘The training stables, I mean. He has some splendid yearlings there. You should get him to take you over to see them—if you care for horses, that is.’
‘But, Mr. Langstroth, you do not mean to tell me that Otho has anything to do with racing—my brother? Oh, well, I have heard that he took an interest in “the turf,” as they call it; but in a racing stable—impossible!’