` Why they did not kill me I do n't know , for I was a miserable creature then ; but there must be something attractive about me , I fancy , for people always seem to think me worth saving . What can it be , ma'am ? ' '' ` Now , Rosa , do n't be affected ; you know you are a very engaging little animal , and if you live to be forty will still have certain pretty ways about you , that win the hearts of women , if not of men . They see your weak points , and take a money view of the case ; but we sympathize with your afflictions , are amused with your coquettish airs , and like your affectionate nature . Now hurry up and finish , for I find it a trifle cold out here . ' `` I laughed as I spoke , for Rosa eyed me with a sidelong glance and gently waved the docked tail , which was her delight ; for the sly thing liked to be flattered and was as fond of compliments as a girl . '' ` Many thanks . I will come now to the most interesting portion of my narrative . As I was saying , instead of knocking me on the head I was packed off to New Hampshire , and had a fine rest among the green hills , with a dozen or so of weary friends . It was during this holiday that I acquired the love of nature which Miss Merry detected and liked in me , when she found me ready to study sunsets with her , to admire new landscapes , and enjoy bright summer weather . '' ` In the autumn a livery-stable keeper bought me , and through the winter fed me up till I was quite presentable in the spring . It was a small town , but through the summer many city people visited there , so I was kept on the trot while the season lasted , because ladies could drive me . You , Miss Belinda , were one of the ladies , and I never shall forget , though I have long ago forgiven it , how you laughed at my queer gait the day you hired me . '' ` My tender feet and stiff knees made me tread very gingerly , and amble along with short mincing steps , which contrasted oddly , I know , with my proudly waving tail and high-carried head . You liked me nevertheless , because I did n't rattle you down the steep hills , was not afraid of locomotives , and stood patiently while you gathered flowers and enjoyed the lovely prospects . '' ' I have always felt a regard for you since you did not whip me , and admired my eyes , which , I may say without vanity , have always been considered unusually fine . But no one ever won my whole heart like Miss Merry , and I never shall forget the happy day when she came to the stable to order a saddle-horse . Her cheery voice made me prick up my ears , and when she said , after looking at several showy beasts , `` No , they do n't suit me . This one now has the right air ; can I ride her ? '' my heart danced within me and I looked round with a whinny of delight .
She understood my welcome , and came right up to me , patted me , peered into my face , rubbed my nose , and looked at my feet with an air of interest and sympathy , that XXXXX me feel as if I 'd like to carry her round the world . ''
considered docked eyed kept laughed looked made packed ride take