"I don't see any harm in one," said John, with interest; "but it rather depends on the rest of the team."
"That is just it," said Lord Hemsworth. "I drive a scratch team this year, two greys and two bays with black points. She is right height, good action, not too high, and has been driven as a wheeler, which is what I want her for; but I don't like the idea of a white stocking among them."
And talking of one of the subjects that most Englishmen have in common, they proceeded slowly past the Horse Guards and into Trafalgar Square.
"Tempest," said Lord Hemsworth, after a time, "do you know it strikes me very forcibly that we are being followed?"
"Not likely," said John.
"Not at all likely, but the fact all the same. Look there, that is the same hansom waiting at the corner that hailed us as we came out of the gates. I know him by the white stocking."
"I should imagine there might be about five hundred and one cab horses with white stockings in London."
"I dare say, but I know a horse again when I see him just as much as I know a face. I bet you anything you like that is the same horse."
"I dare say it is," said John absently.
Lord Hemsworth said nothing more. They walked up St. James's Street in silence.