In the passage, the narrator observes two characters, identifying one by his physical demeanor and the other by his confident, effortless handling of horses. The remark made by the first character, an Englishman, invokes a sense of camaraderie. The scene also touches on Jamie's intentions to pursue a romantic interest, Betty Mitchell, and hints at the social intricacies involved, especially considering Lord John's bemusement at Jamie's decision.
Jamie finds humor in...