"What is your pony's name?" Brat asked, aware of her antagonism.
"That's Fourposter," Ruth said, appropriating Jane's mount. "The Rector calls him the Equine Omnibus."
Brat put out his hand to the pony, who refused the advance by withdrawing a pace and looking contemptuously down his Roman nose. As a gesture it was pure burlesque; a Victorian gesture of repudiation from a Victorian drama.
"A comedian," remarked Brat; and Bee, delighted with his perception, laughed.
"He doesn't like people," Jane said, half-repressive, half-defending her friend.
But Brat kept his hand out, and presently Fourposter's curiosity overcame his stand-offishness and he dropped his head to the waiting hand. Brat made much of him, till Fourposter capitulated entirely and nuzzled him with elephantine playfulness.
" Well! " said Ruth, watching. "He never does that to anyone!"
Brat looked down into the small tight face by his elbow, at the small grubby hands clutching the reins so tightly.
"I expect he does to Jane when no one is around," he said.
"Jane, it is time you were cleaned up for lunch," Bee said, and turned to lead the way indoors.