'Allow me!' she said, just a little bit mockingly. 'Well—it's not true, if you do believe it. I shall ride Vixen, or walk.'
'That would be very serious,' said Rollo, 'for it is going to be very hot. What is the matter with the grey cob?'
'I don't like him—and I do like Vixen.'
'Have you ever ridden him?'
'No. And nothing in his appearance predicts that I ever shall.'
'I do not think that Vixen is fit for you to mount. I am going to find out. If she is you shall have her.'
'You can study her as much as you please, with me on her. Why, what nonsense!—as if I didn't ride her all yesterday afternoon!'
'And gave us, if you recollect, afterwards,' said Rollo, looking amused, 'the synopsis of her character.'
'And now you think I am giving you the synopsis of mine,' said Wych Hazel. 'Well, Mr. Rollo, of course your groom will not mind me—will you order the saddles changed? or must I walk?'
'I shall not order the saddles changed. I am afraid. That is no reason why you should be. Fear may be commendable in a man, when it is not desirable in a woman.'