Lady Lee 29 



her companion one of surprise. As plainly as though 

 it had been expressed in words, the little mare invited 

 me to approach. I was about to pass on, with a 

 touch of the hat ; but before I could do so, the 

 bright intelligent head of the filly was thrust before 

 me, my course was gently turned aside, and I found 

 myself face to face with Lady Lee's companion. 

 The thing was done. An introduction had taken 

 place, and I involuntarily joined in the laugh which 

 the young lady could not repress. 



1 1 presume we are introduced by a mutual friend,' 

 I observed ; ' and certainly by one whose endorse- 

 ment is genuine.' 



4 1 think so,' she replied. c One who can win 

 the love of an animal must have good qualities.' 



' Or seem to have ? ' I asked, at the same time 

 handing her my card. 



1 No ! ' said she. c A fine horse's instincts are 

 much like a woman's. They detect the genuine 

 and reject the spurious.' 



' I fear, then, our little friend has a bad master, 

 or she would not be so often away from home. 

 Do you know who owns her ? ' 



