did. But you will soon learn for yourself that it is much better to

obey the rein than to pull away from it.”

And going back a few steps, and then coaxing me to follow her, I found for myself the truth of what she said. It was not pleasant to have that great iron thing in my mouth, of course not; but still, as long as I did not pull against it, it did not actually hurt me; and so, sulky as I was, I could not but acknowledge that the wisest course that remained for me was to obey, and I did my best to understand what Thomas said to me, and to do what I was bid; as usual, my efforts to do right brought their own reward. Thomas was very fairly patient with any little blunders that I made; and as to my mistress, her praise of my conduct knew no bounds; and when my first day’s lesson was over, and I stood by her side, munching carrots and sugar, and feeling her soft hand constantly patting my forehead, I thought, why, if this is learning, it is not so very unpleasant, after all; and I promised myself I would soon make such progress as would astonish my kind teacher.