"It was another century——"

"Oh——"

"And now to explore the wood!"

"But the horses, sir—"

"They will stand."

… She would not let him help, but loosened Clarendon's bridle, and
slipping out the bit, put the head-straps back. Bedient shook his head.

"It may slide askew that way, and worry him more than if the bit were in," he said.

"If you command, I shall put it back."

"Let me."

"No."