"Well, let's hear about him."
"May I smoke?" asked the rector.
"Anywhere but in my drawing-room. I believe James would like to smoke in church."
"It might have its consolations," returned Penhallow.
"Thanks," said Rivers smiling. Neither man took advantage of her unusual permission. "But you, Squire, have been closer than I to this interesting boy. What do you make of him?"
"He can't ride—he hardly knows a horse from a mule."
"That's not his fault," said Mrs. Penhallow, "he's afraid of horses."
"Afraid!" said her husband. "By George! afraid of horses."
"He speaks French perfectly," said Mark Rivers.
"He can't swim. I got that out of Leila. I understand he tried it once and gave it up."