Did n't she study horses ' feet and shoes , that I might be cured if possible ? Did n't she write to the famous friend of my race for advice , and drive me seven miles to get a good smith to shoe me well ? Have not my poor contracted feet grown much better , thanks to the weeks of rest without shoes which she gave me ? Am I not fat and handsome , and , barring the stiff knees , a very presentable horse ? If I am , it is all owing to her ; and for that reason I want to live and die in her service . '' ' She does n't want to sell me , and only bade you do it because you did n't want the care of me while she is gone . Dear Miss Belinda , please keep me ! I 'll eat as little as I can . I wo n't ask for a new blanket , though your old army one is very thin and shabby . I 'll trot for you all winter , and try not to show it if I am lame . I 'll do anything a horse can , no matter how humble , to earn my living , only do n't , pray do n't send me away among strangers who have neither interest nor pity for me ! ' `` Rosa had spoken rapidly , feeling that her plea must be made now or never , for before another Christmas she might be far away and speech of no use to win her wish . I was much touched , though she was only a horse ; for she was looking earnestly at me as she spoke , and made the last words very eloquent by preparing to bend her stiff knees and lie down at my feet . I stopped her , and answered , with an arm about her neck and her soft nose in my hand , -- '' ` You shall not be sold , Rosa ! you shall go and board at Mr. Town 's great stable , where you will have pleasant society among the eighty horses who usually pass the winter there . Your shoes shall be taken off , and you shall rest till March at least . The best care will be taken of you , dear , and I will come and see you ; and in the spring you shall return to us , even if Miss Merry is not here to welcome you . ' '' ` Thanks , many , many thanks ! But I wish I could do something to earn my board . I hate to be idle , though rest is delicious .
Is there nothing I can do to repay you , Miss XXXXX ?
Belinda Christmas Merry Rosa Town feet horse rest shoes weeks