Fayre shook his head.
“I’ve finished with that old friend for the present. No, I want to bring something quite different. By the way, I’ve been busy with the stables.”
“Hunters?”
“Yes, when I’ve finished my alterations. The stabling’s too inadequate for my needs and there’s a good deal to be done.”
“Do you propose to travel with a couple of mounts? If so, John will have to put them up in the barn. After all, though, it’s only July now and we expect you long before the winter—or do you take them about as pets in the off season? Is that your condition?”
“Oh, no. I’m not bringing any livestock—at least, not of that kind. …”
“Well, I’m blessed!” ejaculated his companion suddenly and indignantly.
Then, as Fayre cast a helpless glance in her direction and began to flounder hopelessly, she took the matter firmly out of his hands.
“Livestock indeed!” she exclaimed. “The man’s impossible! What he’s trying to do, my dear, is to ask if he may bring his wife. And why he’s behaving like a self-conscious schoolboy over it, heaven only knows!”
In spite of her brave words she was blushing vividly.