“How long have you owned him?”
“Two years. Unfortunately he was bitten by a snake one day while wandering with me among the ruins at Pæstum, and was so singularly affected that I was forced to leave him at Naples. Various causes combined to delay his restoration to 182 me until last week, when he crossed the Atlantic; and yesterday he went into ecstasies when I received him from the express agent. Hush! no growling! Down, sir! Take care, Dr. Grey; he will bear no hand but mine, and it is rather dangerous to caress him, as you may judge from the fangs he is showing you.”
The dog was remarkably tall, silky, beautifully formed, and of a soft mole-color; and around his neck a collar formed of four small silver chains, bore an oval silver plate on which was engraved in German text, “Ich Dien—Agla Gerome.”
“I congratulate you upon the possession of such a treasure,” said the visitor, with unfeigned admiration,—as, with the eye of a connoisseur, he noted the fine points about the sleek, slim animal, who eyed him suspiciously.
“Thank you. How is Elsie to-day?”
“More nervous than I have seen her since the accident, and some of her symptoms are rather discouraging, though there is no immediate danger. Do not look so hopeless; she may be spared to you for many months.”
“Why will you not let me hope that she may ultimately recover?”
“Because it is utterly futile, and I have no desire to deceive you, even for an instant. Good morning, Robert.”
The gardener approached with a large basket filled with peaches and nectarines, and, taking off his hat, bowed profoundly.
“My mistress ordered these placed in your buggy, as I believe our nectarines ripen earlier than any others in the neighborhood.”