"
"I have followed the sport with more spirit on other occasions," replied
the Master; "at present, late events in my family must be my apology;
and besides," he added, "I was but indifferently mounted at the
beginning of the sport."
"I think," said the stranger, "one of my attendants had the sense to
accommodate your friend with a horse."
"I was much indebted to his politeness and yours," replied Ravenswood.
"My friend is Mr. Hayston of Bucklaw, whom I dare say you will be
sure to find in the thick of the keenest sportsmen. He will return
your servant's horse, and take my pony in exchange; and will add,"
he concluded, turning his horse's head from the stranger, "his best
acknowledgments to mine for the accommodation."
The Master of Ravenswood, having thus expressed himself, began to move
homeward, with the manner of one who has taken leave of his company.
But the stranger was not so to be shaken off. He turned his horse at the
same time, and rode in the same direction, so near to the Master that,
without outriding him, which the formal civility of the time, and
the respect due to the stranger's age and recent civility, would have
rendered improper, he could not easily escape from his company.
Pages:
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209