Black Beauty

by Anna Sewell

  After this I was driven every day for a week or so, and as I appearedto be quite safe, Miss Lavinia at last ventured out in the small closecarriage. After this it was quite decided to keep me and call me by myold name of "Black Beauty".

  I have now lived in this happy place a whole year. Joe is the best andkindest of grooms. My work is easy and pleasant, and I feel my strengthand spirits all coming back again. Mr. Thoroughgood said to Joe theother day:

  "In your place he will last till he is twenty years old--perhaps more."

  Willie always speaks to me when he can, and treats me as his specialfriend. My ladies have promised that I shall never be sold, and so Ihave nothing to fear; and here my story ends. My troubles are all over,and I am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am stillin the orchard at Birtwick, standing with my old friends under theapple-trees.