Mary to call out, "Why, Norman, nonsense! Mr. Ernescliffe rode the
new black kicking horse till he made it quite steady."

"Made it steady! No, Mary, that is saying too much for it," said Mr.
Ernescliffe.

"It has no harm in it--capital horse--splendid," said the doctor; "I
shall take you out with it this afternoon, Maggie."

"You have driven it several times?" said Alan.

"Yes, I drove him to Abbotstoke yesterday--never started, except at a
fool of a woman with an umbrella, and at the train--and we'll take
care not to meet that."

"It is only to avoid the viaduct at half-past four," said Mrs. May,
and that is easily done."

"So you are bound for Cocksmoor?" said the doctor. "I told the poor
fellow you were going to see his wife, and he was so thankful, that
it did one's heart good."

"Is he better? I should like to tell his wife," said Flora.

The doctor screwed up his face. "A bad business," he said; he is a
shade better to-day; he may get through yet; but he is not my
patient. I only saw him because I happened to be there when he was
brought in, and Ward was not in the way."

"And what's his name?"