The groom, who had been warned of his master's mood and early
approach, stood ready, holding the reins of the saddled stallion.
Again the young man took no particular notice of his good
fortune---that here was arguably the finest horse in the countryside,
sleek and tireless, worth more in stud alone than many of the country
folk could hope to earn in a lifetime. He knew only that it was his,
and that this, at least, was as it should be. In a rare show of
affection, he went so far as to pat its beautiful neck before
mounting. But this did not keep him from upbraiding the groom for a
loose strand on the saddle-blanket. And no sooner had he mounted the
animal than it ceased to be for him a living creature, and became
instead a vehicle, existing merely to carry him to a desired end. He
rode off, leaving the groom to shake his head, and spit disparagingly
in the dirt.
Such was the love he inspired in men.
Mary sat at the bare table, drinking tea and chewing a hard biscuit,
while her mother peered narrowly out of the window. Both had been
silent since waking---there seemed little left to say---but at last
her mother broke the stillness.
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