130 The American Thoroughbred 



window, through which that chilling monster, 

 deceit, could pop his nose. No ! all was honest, 

 heartfelt sincerity — reciprocal gladness. I should 

 do injustice (it is not worth while further to 

 attempt to conceal) to the memory of a dear 

 departed mother were I not to say, she was 

 foremost in the trio. All was kindness, frank- 

 ness, good humor and gladness. I remember 

 too, full well, the tender throbbings of my own 

 little heart. I thought I saw the kind preserver 

 of my father's life ; I loved and admired him. 



" Time passed on from day to day. The horses 

 were looked at, praised and admired — all was 

 done to improve their looks. The market hour 

 arrived, and off they went for Petersburg. When 

 out, that restraint and delicacy of situation, as to 

 the sale or purchase of the old mare, was over, 

 and Mr. Hunt came out frankly to my father, 

 first premising his remarks with a fear to do it 

 whilst at his house, lest he might think himself 

 bound to take her ; from which he then absolved 

 him, and told him he had procured the old mare. 

 Miss Slamerkin, expressly for him ; not for 

 speculation, but to oblige him, under his old 

 request; and cost and charges were all he ever 

 intended to ask for her. My father cheerfully 



