The doctor smoothed back the soft, thick curls. "But, Pat, I cannot have you burdening yourself with the responsibility of finding homes for all the stray animals that cross your path."
"He was so miserable, Daddy—outside; and so really nice—inside. I don't believe he liked being a tramp dog."
The doctor stooped and kissed her; it was not easy to be severe with Patricia. "Still, dear, it must not happen again; you run too great a risk; stray dogs are not always very dependable as to temper."
"It's going to be mighty hard not to, Daddy."
"And Patricia, where are my scissors, and salve, and soap?"
"I'm afraid—down by the brook; so's the towel. I was glad I'd watched you bandage Caesar's paw that time."
"That is all very well; but, Patricia, you are not to meddle with any of the office things again without permission. And now, about this matter of breaking bounds to-day?"
Patricia looked up quickly. "You—you'll 'take the intention into consideration,' Daddy?"
The doctor smiled. "Yes, but," his face grew grave again, "I must also take into consideration the fact that this is by no means the first time you have gone wandering off, causing your aunt a great deal of anxiety."
"I can't think why she will worry so. I always come back all right."