I lived in that happy place for three years. But then, everything changed. Mistress Gordon was very ill. The doctor came to the house many times. Squire Gordon looked very worried.
The doctor said Mistress Gordon must leave England. She needed to live in a warm country for her health. Everyone in the house was very sad. It felt like a very dark time.
Squire Gordon decided to sell his things and leave. John Manly was silent and sad. Joe Green did not whistle anymore. Ginger and I worked very hard every day.
First, the children and their teacher went away. Then, Squire Gordon told us the plan for the horses. He sold Ginger and me to his friend, the Earl of W----. He thought we would have a good home there.
Squire Gordon gave Merrylegs to a friend. But there was one rule. No one could ever sell Merrylegs. Joe Green went to live with the same friend to take care of Merrylegs. I was happy for them.
John Manly did not take a new job yet. He wanted to be a horse trainer (a person who teaches young horses how to behave). He wanted to help young horses have a good start in life.
Squire Gordon liked this idea. He said John Manly was the best man for that job. He promised to help John Manly. John Manly thanked Squire Gordon for his kindness.
The last day arrived. Squire Gordon carried Mistress Gordon to the carriage. The servants stood around the carriage and cried. "Goodbye," Squire Gordon said. "We will not forget you."
John Manly drove us to the railway station for the last time. Many people in the village watched us. They said, "God bless them." At the station, Mistress Gordon said goodbye to John Manly.
John Manly did not speak. He was too sad to say a word. Joe Green stood by our heads. Joe Green was crying, but he tried to hide his face.
The train came into the station. The doors closed and the train moved away. We saw white smoke in the air. John Manly and Joe Green felt very heavy hearts.
John Manly came back to the carriage. "We will never see her again," John Manly said. He drove us back to the house. But it was not our home now. Everything was different.