"Well, yes, just a very little more, my dear; thank you. Ralph, I hope you will be careful over that new horse." "Why?" said Mr Elthorne, sharply; and Aunt Anne prattled on. "Because Alison was saying he thought it had a bad temper, and I always do feel so nervous about horses that kick and bite." "Perhaps you'd like me to be tied on." "Now, Ralph, you are making fun of me," said the lady placidly. "Of course I should not." "Or have the groom with me to hold a leading-rein?" "Nonsense, Ralph, dear; that would be absurd; but if the horse bites, I should like you to make it wear that leather thing over its nose." "What?" roared Mr Elthorne. "The crib-biter's muzzle, father!" cried Alison, roaring with laughter; and the head of the house uttered a fierce growl. "I do not see anything to laugh at, Alison," said the lady reprovingly. "I may not understand much about horses, but I have heard that their bite is very dangerous." "Don't you go near him," said Mr Elthorne sneeringly. "Al!" "Yes, father." "Is Sir Cheltnam coming over this morning?" Isabel looked conscious, and glanced uneasily at the speaker. "Said he should," replied Alison. "Then you'd better mind what you are about." "I always do," said the young man sourly. "Don't speak to me in that tone, sir." "Now, Ralph, dear!--Alison!" cried Aunt Anne, turning from one to the other as she hastily interposed, to play the part of mediator. "You should not speak so abruptly to papa. But I'm sure he did not mean to be disrespectful, Ralph." "You mind your own business, madam; I can manage my children," growled Mr Elthorne. "A puppy! Do you think I'm blind? Sir Cheltnam was cutting in before you all the time we were out last, and I could see that Dana was encouraging him out of pique. She as good as owned to it afterward to me." "I don't suppose Burwood would like it if he knew you called him a puppy." "I did not, sir--I called you one." "Don't--pray don't be angry, Ralph," said Aunt Anne softly. "I told you to mind your own business, madam," said her brother shortly. "If you'd do that, and look after the housekeeping, I should not have my digestion ruined with gutta percha kidneys and leathery toast. Now, look here, Alison, as this topic has cropped up, please understand me. I don't like to speak so plainly about such delicate matters, but one must be clear when the future careers of young people are in question." "Oh, dear me," muttered Alison. "More coffee, Isabel," he added aloud, while his father pushed away his plate, took off his glasses, and began to swing them round by the string. "If that cord breaks, Ralph, those glasses will break something," said Aunt Anne, and Mr Elthorne uttered an impatient snort. "Now, look here, Alison. I suppose you fully understand that I have a reason in encouraging the visits here of those two girls?" "Yes, father, I suppose so."