"That's just it, and look what a disadvantage he would be at all his life. I may be wrong, but I assure you I am having a very anxious time."
"Have you told Mr. Maynard?"
"No, and please say nothing about it to him. He would only worry, and be constantly backwards and forwards between the house and the stables. You know how fond he is of the old mare."
"Honeysuckle is one of his great favourites, and no wonder; it is a good many years since she won the Oaks and the St. Leger for him. That is a fine painting he has of her in his study. I am afraid my poor effort will look very paltry beside it."
"Have you taken to painting horses?" asked Eli. He believed Irene capable of doing almost anything she put her hand to.
"I have tried to paint Random, and I am riding over to the Manor for the painting, as the Squire is anxious to see it."
"He'll make a grand picture; he's a fine subject to work on. There are not many hunters like him in the county. He was Mr. Ulick's favourite, and I was precious glad when you got him, for I was very much afraid the Squire would have sold him."
"You were very fond of Ulick, were you not, Eli?" she asked, in a soft tone of voice.
"To my mind there's not a man round these parts to compare with him."
"And you do not believe he ran away with Janet?"