` To tame me down , I was sold for a car horse ; and that almost killed me , for it was dreadful drudgery to tug , day after day , over the hard pavement with heavy loads behind me , uncongenial companions beside me , and no affection to cheer my life . '' ' I have often longed to ask why Mr. Bergh does not try to prevent such crowds from piling into those cars ; and now I beg you to do what you can to stop such an unmerciful abuse . '' ` In snow-storms it was awful , and more than one of my mates dropped dead with overwork and discouragement . I used to wish I could do the same , for my poor feet , badly shod , became so lame I could hardly walk at times , and the constant strain on the up grades brought back the old trouble in my shoulder worse than ever . '' ` 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 XXXXX the happy day when she came to the stable to order a saddle-horse .
bought detected enjoyed forget found gathered knocking saying see tread