he black horse never had one on, and the dealer
said it was the gag-bit that spoiled the other's temper."

"Well," said York, "if they come here, they must wear the check-rein. I
prefer a loose rein myself, and his lordship is always very reasonable
about horses; but my lady--that's another thing; she will have style,
and if her carriage horses are not reined up tight she wouldn't look at
them. I always stand out against the gag-bit, and shall do so, but it
must be tight up when my lady rides!"

"I am sorry for it," said John; "but I must go now, or I shall lose the
train."

He came round to each of us to pat and speak to us for the last time;
his voice sounded very sad. I held my face close to him; that was all I
could do to say good-bye; and then he was gone, and I have never seen
him since.

The next day Lord W---- came to look at us; he seemed pleased with our
appearance. "I have great confidence in these horses," he said, "from
the character my friend Gordon has given me of them. Of course they are
not a match in color, but my idea is that they will do very well for the
carriage while we are in the country. Before we go to London I must try
to match Baron; the black horse, I believe, is perfect for riding."

York then told him what John had said about us.

"Well," said he, "you must keep an eye to the mare, and put the
check-rein easy; I dare say they will do very well with a little
humoring at first. I'll mention it to your lady."

In the afternoon we were harnessed and put in the carriage and led round
to the front of the house. It was all very grand, and three times as
large as the old house at Birtwick, but not half so pleasant, if a horse
may have an opinion. Two footmen were standing ready, dressed in drab
livery, with scarlet breeches and white stockings. Presently we heard
the rustling sound of silk as my lady came down the flight of stone
steps. She stepped round to look at us; she was a tall, proud-looking
woman, and did not seem pleased about something, but she said nothing,
and got into the carriage. This was the first time of wearing a
check-rein, and I must say, though it certainly was a nuisance not to be
able to get my head down now and then, it did not pull my head higher
than I was accustomed to carry it. I felt anxious about Ginger, but she
seemed to be quiet and content.

[Illustration]

The next day we were again at the door, and the footmen as before; we
heard the silk dress rustle,