They were going out of the stable, when John stopped and said, “I had better mention that we have never used the checkrein with either of them; the black horse never had one on, and the dealer said it was the gag-bit that spoiled the other’s temper.”

“Well,” said York, “if they come here they must wear the checkrein. I prefer a loose rein myself, and his lordship is always very reasonable about horses; but my lady⁠—that’s another thing; she will have style, and if her carriage horses are not reined up tight she wouldn’t look at them. I always stand out against the gag-bit, and shall do so, but it must be tight up when my lady rides!”

“I am sorry for it, very sorry,” said John, “but I must go now, or I shall lose the train.”

He came round to each of us to pat and speak to us for the last time; his voice sounded very sad.

I held my face close to him; that was all I could do to say goodbye; and then he was gone, and I have never seen him since.