"He's a pretty good horse, make a note of him."
"I shan't forget, no need to write down the names of your horses," she replied.
"The Duke has a big chance in the Royal Stakes; I have a first-class two-year-old running in the Acorn Stakes. It will be her first appearance; she's a splendid creature, a real beauty," said Alan.
"That's Robin Hood, The Duke, and what's this wonderful two-year-old's name?"
"Evelyn," he replied.
Of course she knew it was named after her and she was gratified.
"Oh, Alan!" she exclaimed, "that's splendid of you."
"If she were not a real flyer, with every prospect of winning at the first time of asking, I'd not have named her Evelyn. I waited until Skane pronounced her one of the best before risking it," he said.
"And you think she'll win?" asked Evelyn.
"I shall be very disappointed if she fails. With such a name she can't fail," he said, smiling.