fellowes did his best , but he was perhaps not quite as attentive to the way the harness lay against one 's hide , or as prompt in getting it off , in the evenings - not that temeraire had much harness anymore at present , but it was the principle of the thing - and fellowes was a little dull , if one were alone in the evening , and wanted a little conversation ; besides , hollin had been first - in short , temeraire had not ceased to regret the loss .