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<h2> 49 My Last Home </h2>
<p>One day during this summer the groom cleaned and dressed me with such
extraordinary care that I thought some new change must be at hand; he
trimmed my fetlocks and legs, passed the tarbrush over my hoofs, and even
parted my forelock. I think the harness had an extra polish. Willie seemed
half-anxious, half-merry, as he got into the chaise with his grandfather.</p>
<p>"If the ladies take to him," said the old gentleman, "they'll be suited
and he'll be suited. We can but try."</p>
<p>At the distance of a mile or two from the village we came to a pretty, low
house, with a lawn and shrubbery at the front and a drive up to the door.
Willie rang the bell, and asked if Miss Blomefield or Miss Ellen was at
home. Yes, they were. So, while Willie stayed with me, Mr. Thoroughgood
went into the house. In about ten minutes he returned, followed by three
ladies; one tall, pale lady, wrapped in a white shawl, leaned on a younger
lady, with dark eyes and a merry face; the other, a very stately-looking
person, was Miss Blomefield. They all came and looked at me and asked
questions. The younger lady—that was Miss Ellen—took to me
very much; she said she was sure she should like me, I had such a good
face. The tall, pale lady said that she should always be nervous in riding
behind a horse that had once been down, as I might come down again, and if
I did she should never get over the fright.</p>
<p>"You see, ladies," said Mr. Thoroughgood, "many first-rate horses have had
their knees broken through the carelessness of their drivers without any
fault of their own, and from what I see of this horse I should say that is
his case; but of course I do not wish to influence you. If you incline you
can have him on trial, and then your coachman will see what he thinks of
him."</p>
<p>"You have always been such a good adviser to us about our horses," said
the stately lady, "that your recommendation would go a long way with me,
and if my sister Lavinia sees no objection we will accept your offer of a
trial, with thanks."</p>
<p>It was then arranged that I should be sent for the next day.</p>
<p>In the morning a smart-looking young man came for me. At first he looked
pleased; but when he saw my knees he said in a disappointed voice:</p>
<p>"I didn't think, sir, you would have recommended my ladies a blemished
horse like that."</p>
<p>"'Handsome is that handsome does'," said my master; "you are only taking
him on trial, and I am sure you will do fairly by him, young man. If he is
not as safe as any horse you ever drove send him back."</p>
<p>I was led to my new home, placed in a comfortable stable, fed, and left to
myself. The next day, when the groom was cleaning my face, he said:</p>
<p>"That is just like the star that 'Black Beauty' had; he is much the same
height, too. I wonder where he is now."</p>
<p>A little further on he came to the place in my neck where I was bled and
where a little knot was left in the skin. He almost started, and began to
look me over carefully, talking to himself.</p>
<p>"White star in the forehead, one white foot on the off side, this little
knot just in that place;" then looking at the middle of my back—"and,
as I am alive, there is that little patch of white hair that John used to
call 'Beauty's three-penny bit'. It must be 'Black Beauty'! Why, Beauty!
Beauty! do you know me?—little Joe Green, that almost killed you?"
And he began patting and patting me as if he was quite overjoyed.</p>
<p>I could not say that I remembered him, for now he was a fine grown young
fellow, with black whiskers and a man's voice, but I was sure he knew me,
and that he was Joe Green, and I was very glad. I put my nose up to him,
and tried to say that we were friends. I never saw a man so pleased.</p>
<p>"Give you a fair trial! I should think so indeed! I wonder who the rascal
was that broke your knees, my old Beauty! you must have been badly served
out somewhere; well, well, it won't be my fault if you haven't good times
of it now. I wish John Manly was here to see you."</p>
<p>In the afternoon I was put into a low park chair and brought to the door.
Miss Ellen was going to try me, and Green went with her. I soon found that
she was a good driver, and she seemed pleased with my paces. I heard Joe
telling her about me, and that he was sure I was Squire Gordon's old
"Black Beauty".</p>
<p>When we returned the other sisters came out to hear how I had behaved
myself. She told them what she had just heard, and said:</p>
<p>"I shall certainly write to Mrs. Gordon, and tell her that her favorite
horse has come to us. How pleased she will be!"</p>
<p>After this I was driven every day for a week or so, and as I appeared to
be quite safe, Miss Lavinia at last ventured out in the small close
carriage. After this it was quite decided to keep me and call me by my old
name of "Black Beauty".</p>
<p>I have now lived in this happy place a whole year. Joe is the best and
kindest of grooms. My work is easy and pleasant, and I feel my strength
and spirits all coming back again. Mr. Thoroughgood said to Joe the other
day:</p>
<p>"In your place he will last till he is twenty years old—perhaps
more."</p>
<p>Willie always speaks to me when he can, and treats me as his special
friend. My ladies have promised that I shall never be sold, and so I have
nothing to fear; and here my story ends. My troubles are all over, and I
am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am still in the
orchard at Birtwick, standing with my old friends under the apple-trees.</p>
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