XVII 
* 
THE KIND PROVIDENCE 
When it was morning, a man came out of the 
stable door back of the mansion and began sweep- 
ing the walks. I started to go away when he came 
near me, but he called to me in such a kind way, I 
lingered, though half afraid, for a few moments. 
Instead of sweeping the porch where I was sit- 
ting, he passed by, only sweeping the steps, talking 
gently to me as he went along. I could tell by the 
tone of his voice that he was a kind-hearted man, 
and when he returned, I followed him into the 
stable. 
There I saw four beautiful horses, each in a clean 
large stall, and they all looked so happy and self- 
respecting. One was much darker than the others, 
and I wondered whether possibly he was the 
“ Black Beauty ” I had heard so much about. The 
man then began to brush and comb the horses, 
talking to them, and whistling and singing part of 
the time. When he had finished, he gave them" 
115 
