The deep sincerity in his face took away any suggestion of egotism.
Middleton drove on in deep meditation, trying to unravel the tangle of his thoughts. As he drove into the village, he was passed by a carriage and pair. In the carriage sat Leech and a negro. They were both dressed in long black broad-cloth coats, and the negro wore a shiny new beaver.
That very afternoon Middleton began to negotiate for a horse that he thought would suit an old man. His intention was to buy the horse, and when he went away ask Dr. Cary to keep it for him and use it.
As he was looking at a horse, Leech came by. He stopped and looked on, a smile on his sallow face.
“If you want a good horse, don’t buy that one. I’ve got a lot on my place, and I’ll lend you one,” he said.
“Thank you, I prefer to buy,” said Middleton, coldly, examining the horse.
“All right, I’ll sell you one—cheap. I’ve got the finest lot you ever saw. Some of the old Cary stock,” he added.
“I’ve no doubt you have,” said Middleton, dryly, a frown gathering on his brow.
“You used to be a better judge of a horse than that,” laughed Leech.
Middleton straightened up and turned on him so angrily that Leech stepped back involuntarily. The next instant, however, he recovered himself.