Read the excerpt from The Land.

"I'm ready to start getting to know him," I answered. "Not ready to mount him yet."

"Now, what you mean by that? Get on that horse."

"No, sir, I can't. You need to give me some time with him first."

"Well, I don't have none of that."

Based on this dialogue, which word best describes Mr. Sutcliffe?

sorrowful
understanding
impatient
tranquil