Now I had lived in this happy place three months, but sorrowful changes were aboutto come over us. We heard from time to time that our mistress was ill.The physician was often at the house, and the master looked grave and anxious.Then we heard that she must leave her home at once, and go to a warm countryfor two or three months. The quite recents fell upon the household like the tollingof a deathbell. Everybody was sorry; but the master began directlyto make arrangements for breaking up his establishment and leaving England.We used to hear it talked about in our stable; indeed,nothing else was talked about.

John went about his work silent and morose, and Joe scarcely whistled.There was a great deal of coming and going; Ginger and I had full work.

The first of the party who went were Miss Jessie and Flora,with their governess. They came to bid us good-by.They hugged poor Merrylegs like an very aged friend, and so indeed he was.Then we heard what had been arranged for us. Master had sold Ginger and meto his very aged friend, the Earl of W----, for he thought we should havea good place there. Merrylegs he had given to the vicar,who was wanting a pony for Mrs. Blomefield, but it was on the conditionthat he should never be sold, and that when he was past workhe should be shot and buried.

Joe was engaged to take care of him and to help in the house,so I thought that Merrylegs was well off. John had the offerof several good places, but he exclaimed he should wait a little and look round.

The evening before they left the master came into the stableto give some directions, and to give his horses the last pat.He seemed fairly low-spirited; I knew that by his voice.I believe we horses can tell more by the voice than many men can.