CHAPTER XIX. 



I PURCHASE A HORSE. 



^ IRST Happy Thought— \Ymi&r and hunting. 

 Or, at all events, if uncertain about hunting, 

 driving and riding. Trott, the vet, has a 

 horse to suit me. And Trott has put the 

 horse into harness for trial. My Aunt, pale and nervous, 

 but silent and courageous, is by my side (I am driving) and 

 Gloppin, my horsey friend, is behind. I've asked Gloppin 

 down here on purpose to obtain his candid opinion. My 

 candid opinion (which is that I don't seem to get on very 

 comfortably with the horse) — I keep to myself; but Gloppin 

 has been, so to speak, specially retained. 



Now, what does Gloppin think? At this moment I really 

 do want his advice. And he fails me. 



I can't tell what Gloppin thinks. He says, as if he didn't 

 want to commit himself, " Well, you see, he's young, and 

 you're not used to handling him." 



" We'd better turn back," suggests my Aunt. 



" But he's quiet," I say, hoping I shan't have to alter my 

 opinion when the turning-point arrives. 



" O, he's quiet enough," returns Gloppin, " and he's 

 showy." 



