"It is only a horse we brought with us," said Miss Sophia. "Ellen thinks it is a great beauty, and can't rest till you have seen it."
Ellen went accordingly to the door. There, to be sure, was Thomas before it, holding a pony bridled and saddled. He was certainly a very pretty, little creature; brown all over except one white forefoot; his coat shone, it was so glossy; his limbs were fine; his eye gentle and bright; his tail long enough to please the children. He stood as quiet as a lamb, whether Thomas held him or not.
"Oh, what a beauty!" said Ellen "what a lovely little horse!"
"Ain't he!" said Ellen Chauncey "and he goes so beautifully besides, and never starts nor nothing; and he is as good- natured as a little dog."
"As a good-natured little dog, she means, Ellen," said Miss
Sophia "there are little dogs of very various character."
"Well, he looks good-natured," said Ellen. "What a pretty head! and what a beautiful new side-saddle, and all! I never saw such a dear little horse in my life. Is it yours, Alice?"
"No," said Alice, "it is a present to a friend of Mr.
Marshman's."
"She'll be a very happy friend, I should think," said Ellen.
"That's what I said," said Ellen Chauncey, dancing up and down "that's what I said. I said you'd be happier by-and-by, didn't I?"
"I?" said Ellen, colouring.