"Because, Annette----" he said, and paused. "Because I love you, Basil. I told father so, and he said he loved you, too, and that he wished he had a son like you. Then you would be my brother, and I should be very happy. But father said he was afraid you intended to leave us soon, and that made me dream, I suppose."
"Annette, listen to me."
"I am listening, Basil."
"Your father has spoken to me, and that is why I was so late in coming to you. He asked me to remain here, and I promised him I would."
"You did? Oh, Basil!" Her voice expressed the most perfect joy. She had risen in her excitement, and was now leaning towards him, her lips parted, her eyes glowing.
"Yes, Annette, I promised him, and I promise you. For some years at least we will live together."
She threw her arms round his neck, and kissed him.
"That will be for ever, Basil. You have made me do happy, so happy!"
"So that is all settled," he said. "But I shall be a tyrant, Annette."
"I don't mind, Basil; I will be very good and obedient. Do you hear, Bruno, do you hear?" She knelt and kissed the faithful dog, and pressed his head to her bosom. "Basil is not going away. He will remain here forever--for ever!"