“That would suit Joe, I have no doubt; but I don’t pay him to let you water the horses.  I’ll water ’em myself.”

He led one animal, I took the other, and we went in the direction of water a few hundred yards away.

“You run along to your grannie and the rest of them, and I’ll go by myself,” said uncle, but I kept on with the horse.

“You mustn’t let a five-guinea hat destroy your hopes altogether,” he continued, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.  “If you stick to your guns you have a better show than anyone to bag the boss of Five-Bob.”

“I am at a loss to interpret your innuendo, Mr Bossier,” I said stiffly.

“Now, little woman, you think you are very smart, but you can’t deceive me.  I’ve seen the game you and Harry have been up to this last month.  If it had been any other man, I would have restricted your capers long ago.”

“Uncle—­” I began.

“Now, Sybylla, none of your crammers.  There is no harm in being a bit gone on Harry.  It’s only natural, and just what I’d expect.  I’ve known him since he was born, and he’s a good all-round fellow.  His head is screwed on the right way, his heart is in the right place, and his principles are tip-top.  He could give you fal-de-rals and rubbish to no end, and wouldn’t be stingy either.  You’ll never get a better man.  Don’t you be put out of the running so cheaply:  hold your own and win, that’s my advice to you.  There is nothing against him, only temper—­old Nick himself isn’t a patch on him for temper.”

“Temper!” I exclaimed.  “He is always so quiet and pleasant.”

“Yes, he controls it well.  He’s a fellow with a will like iron, and that is what you want, as I find you have none of your own.  But be careful of Harry Beecham in a temper.  He is like a raging lion, and when his temper dies away is a sulking brute, which is the vilest of all tempers.  But he is not vindictive, and is easy managed, if you don’t mind giving in and coaxing a little.”

“Now, uncle, you have had your say, I will have mine.  You seem to think I have more than a friendly regard for Mr Beecham, but I have not.  I would not marry him even if I could.  I am so sick of every one thinking I would marry any man for his possessions.  I would not stoop to marry a king if I did not love him.  As for trying to win a man, I would scorn any action that way; I never intend to marry.  Instead of wasting so much money on me in presents and other ways, I wish you would get me something to do, a profession that will last me all my life, so that I may be independent.”

“No mistake, you’re a rum youngster.  You can be my companion till further orders.  That’s a profession that will last you a goodish while.”

With this I had to be contented, as I saw he considered what I had said as a joke.