DROSS In the morning they hired horses and went towards the mountains.

The day was cloudless, but Sir Beverley would not be persuaded to accompany them.
"I'm not in the mood for exertion," he said to Piers.

"Besides, I detest hired animals, always did.

I shall spend an intellectual morning listening to the band." "Hope you won't be bored, sir," said Piers.
"Your going or coming wouldn't affect that one way or another," responded Sir Beverley.
Whereat Piers laughed and went his way.
He was curiously light-hearted again that morning.

The soft Southern air with its many perfumes exhilarated him like wine.