“My word, Miss,” he said admiringly, “look there; there's that Mr Gerrard a-gallopin' 'is 'orse down to the creek for a swim bareback. My oath, 'e can ride.”
Kate turned just in time, and saw Gerrard, who was in his pyjamas with a towel over his shoulders, disappearing over the ridge at a full gallop. She did not know that he had risen long before she had, walked in the grey dawn to the horse paddock through the dew-soaked grass, caught his horse, and had been an interested spectator of her dairy work.
“Yes, Smith, he can ride, as you say. And his horse wanted a swim after such a hot ride from Port Denison.”
As they walked back to the house, Kate saw her father coming towards them, and let Smith go on.
“Father,” she said, “I am glad to see you before breakfast as I shall not perhaps have a chance to speak to you if we are going to Kaburie to-day with Mr Gerrard.”
“What is it?”
“Mr Aulain has written to me. He wants me to marry him.”
“So does Forde, who asked me for you last night.”
Kate laughed.
“We'll talk about it by and by, my girl,” said Fraser gravely, as he stroked her head.