Dorothy's bright curls flew back from her flushed face, and she laughed as she flew over the road.
The groom watched her admiringly, and marvelled that so small a girl could be such a perfect little equestrienne.
The ride had brightened her eyes, and she always looked smaller than she really was when mounted upon Romeo.
He was a handsome animal, with flowing mane and tail, and the groom spoke truthfully when he muttered:
"Them two makes a high-bred pair. Miss Dorothy is a girl 'ristycrat, an' the little hoss is a hoss 'ristycrat, if ever there was one."
The groom had been in the service of the Dainty family but a few months, but in that time he had become devoted to the little daughter of the house. All the servants loved Dorothy, and were almost as fond of Nancy Ferris.
The young groom had heard Nancy's story, and he felt a deep interest in the little girl, who once had been a waif.
Now, his pleasant face wore a smile as he followed Dorothy, and saw how firmly the little figure stuck to the saddle, and rode as if girl and pony were one and inseparable.
They reached the "Spring," a spot whose beauty drew all travellers to it, and artists lingered there to paint, and thus perpetuate its charm.
Romeo looked down at the clear stream that reflected his figure so perfectly.