A man, content in his bachelor life, recounts how he was unexpectedly drawn into marriage by a horse he purchased at an auction. After a brief stay in Paris, he buys several horses, including a striking dapple-gray named Brutus, primarily for his appearance. Upon returning to his estate, he attempts to ride Brutus but quickly discovers the horse's peculiar behavior. Brutus refuses to move when startled by gunfire, leading to a comical struggle between horse and rider. In a fit of frustration, the man is unseated when Brutus performs an impressive trick, burying him in sand. As he lies there, he witnesses Brutus's antics, which include galloping away with the man's hat. Eventually, a woman named Mme. de Noriolis arrives, having followed Brutus, and they recognize each other from past encounters. She assists him back to his home, and during their conversation, she reveals that Brutus is a circus charger, trained to respond to dramatic situations. Their shared experience leads to a deeper connection, and as they discuss the horse's actions, the man realizes that his aunt's matchmaking efforts may have been more effective than he initially thought. The story culminates in a humorous yet romantic twist, as the man finds himself unexpectedly engaged to Mme. de Noriolis, all thanks to the antics of the circus horse. The narrative explores themes of fate, the unpredictability of life, and the humorous nature of love and marriage.
By Ludovic Halevy · First published 1869 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Romance