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    • 18 Going for the Doctor Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter titled "Going for the Doctor" from "Black Beauty," the narrative embarks on a tense midnight mission to fetch a doctor for Mrs. Gordon, who falls severely ill. The urgency is palpable as John, the trusted stable hand, is roused from his sleep by the stable bell's clamor, signaling the need for immediate action. With efficiency and speed, John prepares Black Beauty, the eponymous horse, for an expedited journey to Dr. White's residence. The squire's instructions are clear: ride swiftly and…
    • 17 John Manly’s Talk Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 17 of "Black Beauty," titled "John Manly's Talk," reveals a pivotal moment of change and reflection amongst the characters. The setting transitions smoothly from a brief pit stop back to the comfort of home, demonstrating the stable relationships between horses and humans. James's concern about his replacement, the youthful Joe Green, sets the stage for a deeper conversation about trust, growth, and kindness. John Manly, a figure of steadfastness and wisdom, emerges as a mentor, not just to Joe…
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      16 The Fire

      16 The Fire Cover
      by LovelyMay During one evening at the stable, a traveler's horse was brought in, leading to a series of events that endangered all the horses, including Black Beauty. As the night progressed, an unnoticed danger began to unfold — the stable caught fire. This was prompted by a young man, referred to only as Towler, who negligently entered the loft with a lit pipe, likely causing the fire. Black Beauty was awakened by an uncomfortable sensation, soon realizing the stable was filled with thick, suffocating smoke,…
    • 15 The Old Hostler Cover
      by LovelyMay The fifteenth chapter of "Black Beauty," titled "The Old Hostler," narrates the journey of Black Beauty, his master, mistress, and James the driver, to visit friends forty-six miles away from their home. The first day covered thirty-two miles, featuring long and heavy hills which James navigates with care, ensuring the comfort and welfare of the horses through thoughtful driving techniques and consideration of their needs. Upon arriving at their destination for the night, a principal hotel in the…
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      14 James Howard

      14 James Howard Cover
      by LovelyMay In the early morning of December, after completing his exercise, Black Beauty is being cared for by John when their master, holding a letter, enters the stable with inquiries about James Howard, a young assistant. The master questions John about James's work ethic and behavior, to which John replies with high praise, asserting James's reliability, industriousness, and honesty. John strongly defends James's character against any insinuation of misconduct, expressing his complete trust in James's dealings…
    • 13 The Devil’s Trade Mark Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Devil's Trade Mark," from "Black Beauty," the narrative unfolds as John and Black Beauty, after attending to their master’s business, witness a troubling scene. A young boy, later identified as Mr. Bushby's son, is brutally trying to coerce a pony into jumping over a gate. The pony, resistant and distressed by the boy's harsh treatment—whipping, kicking, and striking—ultimately rebels, catapulting the boy into a thorn hedge and then fleeing home. John, finding slight amusement in the boy’s…
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      12 A Stormy Day

      12 A Stormy Day Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 12, "A Stormy Day," of "Black Beauty," a journey taken by the narrator, an elegant horse named Black Beauty, along with his master and John, the coachman, becomes an adventure marked by the forces of nature. Setting out on a business trip in autumn, the party enjoys the crispness of the season despite recent rains that have left the landscape soaked and the river swollen. The lightness of the dog-cart and the high spirits of the travelers are soon challenged by the elements. As they cross the…
    • 11 Plain Speaking Cover
      by LovelyMay At Birtwick, the sense of pride and happiness within Black Beauty only grew with time, owing largely to the respect and love the master and mistress commanded among all living beings, not just humans. Their kindness extended to animals of all sorts, ensuring no creature suffered under their watch. Notably, their influence inspired a culture of compassion, leading to a significant reduction in the use of check-reins on cart horses within their community, a cause the mistress actively advocated against…
    • 10 A Talk in the Orchard Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 10 of "Black Beauty," we delve into the conversations among the horses: Black Beauty, Ginger, Sir Oliver, Merrylegs, and Justice. The chapter starts with Black Beauty and Ginger reflecting on their breed and the pleasure they find in carrying their riders during riding parties. They discuss the comfort a light hand on the reins brings to a horse, emphasizing the sensitivity of a horse's mouth and how gentle guidance is much preferred to harsh handling. The narrative then shifts to a poignant…
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      09 Merry legs

      09 Merry legs Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 9 of "Black Beauty," Merrylegs, a small, gentle, and wise pony, provides insight into his interactions with the young children of Mr. Blomefield, the vicar, and their families. The children, comprising Miss Jessie, Flora, two boys older than them, and several younger ones, would often visit, spending hours riding Merrylegs around the orchard and home paddock. One particular afternoon, after an extended period of play, James, presumably a stable hand, noticed Merrylegs' exhausted state upon his…
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