"But do you mean, and keep Saladin too?"
"I mean that. Saladin is necessary to me."
"Then don't, Basil. I can tell you, people will say you are extravagant if you have two horses."
"I cannot help people talking scandal."
"No; but it will hurt your influence."
"Well, we will feel the pulse of the public to-morrow. But I think they would stand it."
They drove down to Mrs. Starling's the next day. Mr. Masters had other business, and must go farther. Diana went in alone. She was early, for she had come to help her mother make the preparations; and at first these engrossed them both.
"Well," said Mrs. Starling, when some time had passed,—"how do you get along with your husband?"
Diana's eyes opened slightly. "It would be a very strange person that could not get on with Mr. Masters," she answered.
"Easy, is he? I hate easy men! The best of 'em are helpless enough; but when you get one of the easy soft, they are consented if every door hangs on one hinge."