John Willet, who was toasting his red face before a great fire in the bar, and who, with surpassing foresight and quickness of apprehension, had been thinking, as he looked at the blue sky, that if that state of things lasted much longer, it might ultimately become necessary to leave off fires and throw the windows open, issued forth to hold his stirrup; calling lustily for Hugh.
'Oh, you're here, are you, sir ?' said John, rather surprised by the quickness with which he appeared.

'Take this here valuable animal into the stable, and have more than particular care of him if you want to keep your place.

A mortal lazy fellow, sir; he needs a deal of looking after.' 'But you have a son,' returned Mr Chester, giving his bridle to Hugh as he dismounted, and acknowledging his salute by a careless motion of his hand towards his hat.

'Why don't you make HIM useful ?' 'Why, the truth is, sir,' replied John with great importance, 'that my son--what, you're a-listening are you, villain ?' 'Who's listening ?' returned Hugh angrily.

'A treat, indeed, to hear YOU speak! Would you have me take him in till he's cool ?' 'Walk him up and down further off then, sir,' cried old John, 'and when you see me and a noble gentleman entertaining ourselves with talk, keep your distance.