"Love me, love my dog!"
"A decrepit saying, and entirely out of fashion. Love me, and loathe my dog, is far more up to date, especially since these lap dogs are the rage. Then why not hate me, and love my dog! There are one or two people—whose dogs I adore. Oh, dear me! just look at auntie! who cannot be trusted out of my sight. She is eating peaches. That is Sir Horace's doing! He has offered them to her, and she cannot resist, although she is strictly forbidden to touch raw fruit!"
"Would you imply that my respectable uncle is playing the part of the serpent?"
"No, but auntie is here for the cure, in order to get thin, and she won't give herself a chance. She promises and vows all manner of things to her doctor, and breaks her word as soon as she is out of his sight. She sits up late, she eats creams and rich dishes, takes no exercise, and is full of stern resolutions for to-morrow—it is always to-morrow!"
"I gather that between your aunt and the dog your responsibilities are serious."
"Yes, very serious," she answered with a gay little nod.
As they loitered along together, Captain Haig was sensible of the many admiring eyes which were turned towards his companion, and of certain envious scowls which fell to him. Half glances, whole stares, beaming smiles, and impressive salutes attended the lady's progress. Yes, for sheer, blazing, aggressive admiration Miss Chandos received the palm.
After all, he asked himself, what was she to be thus acclaimed? A tall girl, with a pair of wonderful dark eyes, a brilliant complexion, a radiant smile!
"I suppose you come abroad every year?" he questioned, after a pause.
"Oh, no," she replied, "we live abroad. And you?"