"I thought earls always fared luxuriously," said Scott, smiling.
"Earls, as well as other men, are subject to circumstances, and can rough it, if necessary. Some time I will tell you how I fared in Italy last winter. I confess that my appetite has been sharpened, and I am exceedingly hungry."
"So am I. We are to have bacon and eggs. I hope you have no prejudice against such a dish."
"No, it is a favorite with me. My only apprehension is, that they won't have enough to satisfy me."
In the barn the visitors found stalls for two horses, both of them unoccupied. They unharnessed their horse, or rather Scott did, for the earl, who had always had this work done for him, seemed awkward and inexperienced.
"I am sorry to put all the work upon you, Scott," he said.
"Never mind. It is no trouble."
"I suppose I ought to be ashamed of my awkwardness."
"I can easily understand that you never had to do it. In England, father for a time kept a horse, and I had the care of him."