He
found the idea quite a success, and now he no sooner appears in
the park with a halter than, instead of stampeding, practically
every one of those horses comes cantering up with the true
volunteering spirit. The one which he selects, arches his neck
and goes off to work with a whole string of the others following.
Dodsley--that is my groom's name--tells me that he does a great
deal more mowing now than he need, simply because they worry him
for the work. Gratitude, you see, Mr. Ledsam, sheer gratitude.
If you were to provide a dozen alms-houses for your poor
dependants, I wonder how many of them would be anxious to mow
your lawn.... Come, let me show you your room now."
They passed back through the postern-gate into the gardens of The
Sanctuary. Sir Timothy led the way towards the house.
"I am glad that you decided to spend the night, Mr. Ledsam," he
said. "The river sounds a terribly hackneyed place to the
Londoner, but it has beauties which only those who live with it
can discover. Mind your head. My ceilings are low."
Francis followed his host along many passages, up and down
stairs, until he reached a little suite of rooms at the extreme
end of the building. The man-servant who had unpacked his bag
stood waiting. Sir Timothy glanced around critically.
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