Mary did not want to go, he knew. He did not want her to go, but, paradoxical as it may sound, he did want her to go. For choice he would have gone himself; but he knew that if he did Leo would look upon it as distrust--not of her power to manage the new mare, but of her word. For she had as good as promised him that she would see Tom Candlish no more, and he felt that he was bound to show in every way possible that he enjoyed a confidence that he really did not feel. With Mary to bear Leo company he knew that she was safe, and even that would bear the aspect of espionage; but the girl had accepted the position, and they were ready to start. The trio were on their way to the gate when the new mare uttered a loud whinnying noise which was answered from a distance. There was the sound of hoofs, and directly after North trotted up. Mary drew a deep breath, and her nervousness in connection with her ride was killed by one greater, which forced her to rouse all, her energies, so as to be calm during the coming encounter. "Morning," cried the doctor merrily, as he shook hands with all in turn. "Going to try the new mare?" "Yes," said the curate eagerly, while Leo was quiet and distant, and Mary her own calm self. "What do you think of her?" The doctor, who, like most country gentlemen who keep a nag, considered himself a bit of a judge, looked the mare over, and grew critical. "Well bred," he said, at the end of a few moments. "Oh! I am glad," said Mary, eager to break the chilly silence that prevailed. "I meant by descent," said the doctor merrily. "I don't know how she behaves." "Oh!" ejaculated Mary, in a disappointed tone, while Leo looked on scornfully. "But she seems quiet?" said the curate anxiously. "Ye-es," replied the doctor dubiously, as he continued his examination. "Rather a wicked look about one eye." "Don't, pray, Dr North," said Leo petulantly. "My brother is quite fidgety enough about the mare. She is of course a little more mettlesome than our poor old plodding horse; but a child might drive her." "Oh, yes, of course," said the doctor, in a tone which seemed to say, "But I would not answer for the consequences." Then aloud: "Bit swollen about that hock. May mean nothing. Nice-looking little thing, Salis." "I'm glad you like her," said the curate eagerly. "I did not say I liked her, old fellow," replied North. "I said she was well bred." "But you don't think she is dangerous for ladies?" "Oh, Hartley! How absurd!" cried Leo. "Dangerous? surely not," said the doctor. "Have tried her yourself, of course?" "Well, no," replied the curate. "I have been so busy: but the man has driven her several times." "And says she goes very quietly," said Leo pettishly. "Hartley never has any confidence in my driving." "Indeed, yes," said the curate, smiling at his sister affectionately. "I know that you drive well, and are a clever horsewoman. I am only anxious about your driving a strange horse."