I had noticed a stone block there and meant to use it if no one but the groom were present; also I intended to tip the groom and ask him a few casual questions about the ways of Dr.Bell.
I might have managed this but for a sudden manifestation of interest on the part of my companion.
"Come on," he said to the young ladies, "let's go and see him off." It seemed to me that he emphasized the word "off" unpleasantly.

However I tried to seem calm as we moved toward the drive.
Dr.Bell had a bright brown eye; there was something alert in the gaze with which he watched us moving toward him.

However, to my great relief he stood quite still while two of the sisters who preceded me by a few steps, went up and patted him.

Evidently he liked to be patted.

I decided that I would pat him also.
I had approached him from the left and in order to mount I now found it necessary to circle around, in front of him.