One day in the summer, the groom cleaned Black Beauty very carefully. He brushed Black Beauty’s hair and made him shine. Willie and Farmer Thoroughgood got into the carriage.
They drove to a pretty house with a large garden. Willie rang the bell. He asked for Miss Blomefield and Miss Ellen. Farmer Thoroughgood went inside while Willie stayed with Black Beauty.
Soon, three ladies came out of the house. Miss Ellen was young and had a happy face. Miss Lavinia was a tall lady who looked a little sick. Miss Blomefield was a very serious lady.
Miss Ellen liked Black Beauty immediately. She liked his kind face. But Miss Lavinia was worried. She saw the scars on Black Beauty’s knees. She was afraid the horse might fall again.
Farmer Thoroughgood said that many good horses fall because their drivers are not careful. He said it was not the horse’s fault. He asked the ladies to take Black Beauty on a trial (a period of time to test something).
The ladies agreed to try Black Beauty. The next day, a young groom came to take Black Beauty to his new home. The groom saw Black Beauty’s knees and was disappointed.
Farmer Thoroughgood told the young man to be fair. He said that a good horse is a horse that works well. Black Beauty went to the ladies' stable. It was a very comfortable place.
The next morning, the groom cleaned Black Beauty’s face. The groom saw the white star on Black Beauty’s forehead. He saw the mark on Black Beauty’s neck where a doctor once cut him.
The groom looked at Black Beauty’s back. He saw a small patch of white hair. The groom became very excited. He realized the horse was Black Beauty! The groom was Joe Green.
Joe Green was the boy who worked for Squire Gordon many years ago. Joe was now a man with a loud voice and black hair. He was very happy to see his old friend again.
Joe petted Black Beauty and spoke to him. Black Beauty put his nose against Joe. Black Beauty was very happy to see Joe too. Joe promised to take very good care of him.
In the afternoon, Miss Ellen drove Black Beauty in a small carriage. Joe went with her. Joe told Miss Ellen that this horse was Squire Gordon’s Black Beauty.
Miss Ellen was very surprised. She said she would write a letter to Mrs. Gordon. She knew Mrs. Gordon would be very happy to hear the news.
After one week, the ladies decided to keep Black Beauty. They used his old name again. Black Beauty lived in that happy place for a long time. Joe Green was the kindest groom.
Black Beauty’s work was easy and pleasant. He felt strong and young again. Farmer Thoroughgood came to visit. He said Black Beauty would live for many more years.
Willie also came to visit his special friend. The ladies promised that they would never sell Black Beauty. Black Beauty did not have to fear anything anymore.
Black Beauty’s story ends here. His troubles are over. He is finally home. Sometimes, when he is sleeping, he dreams of the old days under the apple trees with his friends.