MY LAST HOME

One day, during this summer, the groom cleaned and dressed me with such
extraordinary care that I thought some new change must be at hand; he
trimmed my fetlocks and legs, passed the tar-brush over my hoofs, and
even parted my forelock. I think the harness had an extra polish. Willie
seemed half-anxious, half-merry, as he got into the chaise with his
grandfather. "If the ladies take to him," said the old gentleman,
"they'll be suited and he'll be suited; we can but try."

[Illustration]

At the distance of a mile or two from the village, we came to a pretty,
low house, with a lawn and shrubbery at the front, and a drive up to the
door. Willie rang the bell, and asked if Miss Blomefield or Miss Ellen
was at home. Yes, they were. So, while Willie stayed with me, Mr.
Thoroughgood went into the house. In about ten minutes he returned,
followed by three ladies; one tall, pale lady, wrapped in a white shawl,
leaned on a younger lady, with dark eyes and a merry face; the other, a
very stately-looking person, was Miss Blomefield. They all came and
looked at me and asked questions. The younger lady--that was Miss
Ellen--took to me very much; she said she was sure she should like me, I
had such a good face. The tall, pale lady said she should always be
nervous in riding behind a horse that had once been down, as I might
come down again, and if I did she should never get over the fright."

"You see, ladies," said Mr. Thoroughgood, "many first-rate horses have
had their knees broken through the carelessness of their drivers,
without any fault of their own, and from what I see of this horse, I