No doubt the saddle stock were in sad need of improved blood but this was hardly the moment to undertake such an expenditure.

Having once suggested the move, the quiet smiles of Hervey had spurred her on.

She knew the meaning of those smiles.

He was waiting till she should exhaust even the immense tolerance of her father; when she fell he would swing again into the saddle of control.

Yet she would go on and buy the mares if she could.