"I told you not t'get fresh with the mares."

There's laughter lurking in her voice.

"Once you're all healed up I'll put you t'work, don't you worry none. You'll get some fine welts on your hands at no extra. How's that sound?"

Ain't nothing or nobody could take the whip from her tongue. Happy, sad, or blue, she's always taunting him. It's a sign of affection, really.