handsome one, with a pair of
fine match-horses, which none of them had ever seen before, drawn up at
the foot of the veranda-steps, while, a few feet beyond, a servant held
the bridle of a beautiful, spirited pony, whose long mane, gracefully
arched neck, and glossy coat, struck them all with admiration.

The carriage-horses were no less handsome or spirited: they were tossing
their manes, and pawing the ground, with impatience to be off.

Violet turned a bright, inquiring look upon her husband, while all three
of his children were asking in eager, excited tones, "Papa, papa, whose
carriage and horses are these?"

"Ours," he said, handing Violet to a seat in the vehicle; then, as he
helped Evelyn in, "Max, my son, if you will ride that pony, there will
be more room here for the rest of us."

"O papa! may I?" cried the boy in tones of delight. "Did you hire it for
me?"

"No: I only bought it for you. Mount, and let me see how well you can
manage him--how well you have improved your opportunities for learning
to ride."

Max needed no second invitation, but had vaulted into the saddle before
his father was done speaking.

"Now put him through his paces," was the next order.

Max wheeled about, dashed down the avenue at a rapid gallop, turned, and
came back at an easy canter; his father and sisters, Violet also,
watching him in proud delight, he was so handsome, and sat his pony so
well.

"Ah! that will do," his father said when the lad was within easy
hearing-distance: "these fellows," glancing at the horses attached to
the carriage, "are getting too restless to stand any longer; so you may
finish your exhibition at another time. I have seen enough to feel that
you are quite equal to the management of your pony."

"O papa! he's just splendid!" Max burst out, bending down to pat and
stroke the neck of his steed; "and I can never thank you enough for such
a gift."

"Enjoy him, and use him kindly: that is all I ask," the captain said,
entering the carriage, where he had already placed his two little girls.
"Drive on, Scipio. Max, you may ride along-side."

"I 'spect I know where we're going," remarked Grace gleefully, and with
an arch smile up into her father's face, as she noticed the direction
they were taking on turning out of the avenue into the high-road.

"Do you?" he said. "Well, wait a little, and you will find out how good
a guess you have made."

"To Woodburn, papa?" queried Lulu eagerly.

"Have