is a capable servant. You will have to put up with a good deal. There
are days when I am not at all amiable, and on those days I do not
like to find a speck of rust on the metals or a blanket that has not
been thoroughly brushed. As for the animals, they must always shine
like satin. This last is unconditional. Besides all this, our force
of servants is small. Do you know anything about serving?"

"Very little." What was coming now?

"The chef will coach you. I entertain some, and there will be times
when you will be called upon to wait on the table. Come with me and I
will show you the horses. We have only five, but my father takes
great pride in them. They are all thoroughbreds."

"Like their mistress," was Warburton's mental supplementary.

"Father hasn't ridden for years, however. The groom I discharged this
morning was capable enough on the box, but he was worse than useless
to me in my morning rides. I ride from nine till eleven, even Sundays
sometimes. Remain here till I return."

As she disappeared Warburton drew in an exceedingly long breath and
released it slowly. Heavens, what an ordeal! He drew the back of his
hand across his forehead and found it moist. Not a word about the
fine: he must broach it and thank her. Ah, to ride with her every
morning, to adjust her stirrup, to obey every command to which she
might give voice, to feel her small boot repulse his palm as she
mounted! Heaven could hold nothing greater than this. And how easily
a woman may be imposed upon! Decidedly, Mr. Robert was violently in
love.