"Yes; but my abroad is Asia; yours, I conclude, is Europe. My abroad spells duty, and yours pleasure."
"Not altogether," rejoined Miss Chandos. "We live out of England as a duty to an animal. We roam the continent because of the dog!"
Captain Haig looked at her with a puzzled air, then gave a short incredulous laugh.
"But, I assure you that it is quite true," she continued, "Auntie is devoted to Dog Darling, and owing to these dreadful new regulations he would have to go into quarantine in England for six months; either that, or be left at Calais. Such a separation would break his dear heart—and be the death of auntie."
"And so you remain an exile as long as he lives."
"Yes."
"Is he old?"
"About nine; but he comes of a long-lived family, and has a fine constitution."
"If I were you, I should administer some of the waters," suggested Captain Haig.
"If you mean with felonious intent, I repudiate your heartless advice. I am sincerely attached to Toby."