“How pleased the children are, John,” said their mother, “you could not have found a more suitable birthday gift.”
Whereat the Squire laughed.
“Just have a ride about the park, children, and then let David lead them away. It is tea-time now, and to-morrow morning you must both be up early and have a canter before breakfast.”
Afterwards when they were together in the stable and were made comfortable for the night, “Snowie,” said Bob, “before I go to sleep I should like t’fess. I told you a big fib as we were coming along from the station.”
“Oh,” said the sedate little mare, looking much shocked.
“Yes, I did. It was such a sudden change. And things have fashioned themselves so funnily I couldn’t stand it.”
“I understand,” said Snowie.
“You remember, David?”
“The groom here, yes.”
“I said he was groom in the stables where I was born.”