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, that 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 you will do fairly by him, young man, and if he
