She would speak either to her son or to Fanny Robarts, and by a little diplomacy have this evil remedied.

And then she had to determine on which step she would take.
"Nothing could be more reasonable than Ludovic." So at least she said to herself over and over again.

But then Ludovic understood nothing about such matters; and had, moreover, a habit, inherited from his father, of taking the bit between his teeth whenever he suspected interference.

Drive him gently without pulling his mouth about, and you might take him anywhere, almost at any pace; but a smart touch, let it be ever so slight, would bring him on his haunches, and then it might be a question whether you could get him another mile that day.

So that on the whole Lady Lufton thought that the other plan would be the best.