THE NICEST LITTLE HORSE IN THE WORLD. 17 



we came a regular burster. I'm glad you were 

 not riding him ; very glad it happened as it 

 did," Greenwood exclaimed. 



" But you were on one of your old favourites, 

 were not you ? " I asked again. 



" Well, no ; he was not the horse that I 



It was my fault, you know. I ought to have 

 shown you; though I am very glad I did 

 not." 



A light broke in upon me as he spoke. 



'' My dear fellow ! Did I take your horse? 

 I believe I did ! I'm awfully sorry. I hadn't 

 an idea " I began. 



" Of course not. It didn't in the least 

 matter ; in fact, I'm very glad as it turned out. 

 It didn't signify what you rode, but I thought 

 the new one would have carried you best," he 

 went on, moving in his chair as he spoke, and 

 giving vent to a little exclamation of pain or 

 discomfort. 



"But, really, I ayji sorry!" I continued. 

 *' Now that I think of it, I don't know why I 

 imagined the horse I got on was the one you 

 meant for me. Your back was to me, as you 

 were looking after Mrs. Greenwood's horse, and 

 I jumped up and galloped off, so that he 

 shouldn't have time to play the fool." 



Mrs. Greenwood smiled kindly, which I 



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