“A failure in that line would certainly be something to prevent,” answered her father, “but there might be something else, sickness for instance.”
Going close to his side, “Papa, if I should get into a passion would I have to lose my pony?” she asked in an under tone.
“Yes; for a time; ought you not to, since he is given you as a reward for controlling your temper?”
“Yes, sir; that’s just and right; but oh, I hope I shan’t have to!”
“So do I. I should be very sorry to deprive you of her even for a day.”
Grace’s guests arrived in due time. It was a lawn and garden party, and a complete success, the ponies contributing largely to the enjoyment.
The captain stayed with the children constantly to assist in supplying amusement for them, and to guard them against possible accident in mounting and riding the ponies, though the little fellows were almost as gentle and quiet as lambs.
CHAPTER XV.
The ponies at once became the greatest pets with their young mistresses, and soon would come at their call, eat from their hands and submit to stroking and fondling with as much docility as that of a dog or cat. It was a great pleasure to the captain to see the delight the children took in them.
It was some weeks before timid little Gracie would venture to mount hers, or ride it without “papa” to hold the bridle and walk by her side to care for her safety; but after awhile she was content to sometimes let Max take his place, and at length grew bold enough to ride about the grounds at a moderate pace, guiding her small steed herself with only Lulu, mounted on Fairy, by her side.