human
He's called Penington, I hear, said Sir John, pulling up his cob to look at a field of springing wheat.
gpt
Don't know the name, but Hastings speaks uncommonly well of him.
human
I met a man of that name in Rome. He had a sister with him.
gpt
That's he. Hastings said he had gone abroad for two or three months' rest before beginning work again. And I dare say he would have a sister. I hear he's a likely man to many. There's the Vicarage: you can see the chimneys; it's been uncommonly improved and made into really a nice place. Hallo, here comes Miss Ward. You recollect the Miss Wards, cousins of Mrs Hastings, and living in that little cottage half a mile on?
human
Sir John, you are the very person I wished to see. _Do_ you know of a horse?
gpt
Another horse, Miss Ward?
human
Another! I should think so. That last great thing wouldn't go at all. How d'ye do, Mr Ibbetson? I didn't see it was you. But really, Sir John, we are in a pretty condition; reduced to the butcher's mare to take, us to the station, and when we want to cut a dash among our neighbours, to the most extraordinary affair from Hedsworth. Do be neighbourly and look in at our stables. You'll find three waiting to be looked at, and they've all something against them. One has curby hocks, I know--whatever that may mean.
gpt
It means a strong objection.
human
Well, the other alternatives are age and nobility of appearance, and youth and snobbishness. I am inclined to youth; the habit of requiring to be shot is very serious.
gpt
I'll give my opinion at any rate, said Sir John laughing,
human
Has he, really? Mr Penington is our other subject just now; he and the horses form a sort of conversational see-saw. Very charming, is he not, Mr Ibbetson? But you need not tell me if he is not, for we all agree in placing him on a pinnacle of merit, in order that we may have the excitement of gradually deposing him. Otherwise, I might whisper to you that we are already--just a little--hurt.
gpt
Why?
human
Well, we considered--and justly, I think--that coming here unmarried, we had a right to the excitement of choosing him a wife. But in a letter from his sister to Mrs Hastings, who is, you know, her old friend, she seems to hint that he is taking it on his own shoulders.
gpt
Oh, ho! Any names mentioned? Perhaps Jack may know her, too.
human
No, no, not so bad as that. Still it is bad, I own. You'll look at those horses then, won't you?
gpt
To be sure. How was it you weren't at the Grange on Friday?
human
I was making up my accounts. I always think that is only a decent tribute to the departing year. Remember me to Lady Ibbetson, and do try to consider that horse a treasure.