"Yes, I come from Sydney," replied Ella, in answer to his question about Australia.
"And your father owns racers?" he asked.
"Yes; racing is his chief amusement. He's always saying it is a very expensive hobby, and exhorts me to economize in order that he may keep things going," she replied, laughing. "He is coming to England. I expect him in about a month. He may bring one or two horses, he was thinking of doing so I know. He has a very high opinion of our thoroughbreds, thinks they are equal to your best."
Alan laughed as he replied:
"I have seen some of your horses run here. They are good, but equal to our best, no; at least I do not think so. I have two I'd like to match against any colonial-bred horse."
"Perhaps my father will give you a chance if he brings Rainstorm," she said.
"Is he a good horse?"
"Rather, he won the Melbourne Cup," she replied.
"Then I shall be taking something on if I tackle him?" he said.
"You will—and you'll be beaten," she answered confidently.