"Whoa, you Glossy! whoa dere!" he cried, springing to the head of the excited animal, and catching its bridle in his powerful grasp.
"Just lead her for a little, Jim," said Elsie "There, there! my poor pretty Glossy, be quiet now. It was too cruel to serve you so; but it shan't happen again if your mistress can help it," she added in a voice tremulous with sympathy and indignation, patting and stroking her pony caressingly as she spoke.
Jim obeyed, walking on at a brisk pace, leading Glossy with his right hand, and keeping the bridle of the other horse over his left arm.
"I'll walk the rest of the way, Jim," said Elsie presently, "just stop her and let me get down. There," springing lightly to the ground, "you may lead them both to the stable now."
She hurried forward along the broad, gravelled winding carriage road that led to the house. The next turn brought her face to face with her father.
"What, Elsie! alone and on foot at this late hour?" he said in a tone of mingled surprise and reproof.
"I have been riding, papa, and only a moment since dismounted and let
Jim lead the horses down the other road to the stables."
"Ah, but how did you come to be so late?" he asked, drawing her hand within his arm and leading her onward.
"I have been to Tinegrove, sir, and Aunt Lora, Carrie, and I found so much to say to each other, that the time slipped away before I knew it."
"It must not happen again, Elsie."