| Share page |
|
MY LAST HOME. |
197 |
||
|
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 young lady—that was Miss Ellen—took to me very much; she said she was sure she would 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 should say that is his case; but, of course, I do not wish to influence you. If you incline, you can have him on trial, and then your coachman will see what he thinks of him.',
" You have always been such a good adviser to us about our horses," said the stately lady, " that your recommendation would go a long way with me, and if my sister Lavinia sees no objection, we will accept your offer of a trial, with thanks."
It was then arranged that I should be sent for the next day.
In the morning a smart-looking young man came for me; at first he looked pleased; but when he saw my knees he said, in a disappointed voice :
" I didn't think, sir, you would have recommended my ladies a blemished horse like that."
"' Handsome is that handsome does,' " said my master •, " you are only taking him on trial, and I am sure |
|||