“Yes, my lady.”

“If⁠—if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?”

“Yes indeed, my lady.”

Lady O’Hara stamped her foot.

“Don’t say jes!” she cried.

Jim was startled.

“I beg pardon, m’lady?”

“You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long way⁠—they⁠—er⁠—they may be tired! Jenny may have gone lame⁠—anything⁠—anything may have happened!”

“Yes, m’⁠—I mean certainly, your ladyship!” hastily amended Jim.

“In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!”