If he thought then that he might have done better with his energies than devote them to dangerous horses, he never said so.

His voice was weak, but it never quailed; and the only regret he expressed was that he had not changed the bit in Jemima's mouth.

Lord Rufford's position was made worse by an expression from Sir John Purefoy that the party ought to be put off.

Sir John was in a measure responsible for what his mare had done, and was in a wretched state.

"If it could possibly affect the poor fellow I would do it," said Lord Rufford; "but it would create very great inconvenience and disappointment.