The master of the house was probably of the number; he would stop to inquire the business of the suspicious-looking stranger invading his territories.

The person for whom I brought a letter, being an elderly lady, was not likely to be on horseback amidst a party of young folks.

There would be a general halt ordered; while the poor new-comer, with his draggled horse and swollen valise indicative of anything but a hasty departure, would become the subject of a pleasant criticism to the quizzical dandies and young ladies of the party.

Even when this scrutiny was over, what were they to do with their unexpected, self-elected companion?
His horse was now too tired, and much too ugly at any time to accompany such gay palfreys as were prancing over the lawn; yet they could not, in common civility, leave a stranger adrift; nor could they accompany him back to the house, without breaking up their expedition for the day.
All this flashed through my mind in a moment, and left me in a dire dilemma.

I pulled up my jaded nag, however, with such a jerk, that I well-nigh threw him on his haunches.