"Now while you drink, I'll tell you why I like Gift better than Duke. In the first place, Gift really loves me—why, I don't believe that even such a charming little lady as you could get Gift to leave me. Let's try and see. Here, Gift; come, Gift."
The two dogs came running at his call.
"He always answers just so promptly." Beth noted how proud he looked. "Now little missy, call Gift and make friends with him."
Beth did as bidden. Gift proved very friendly in response. Duke seemed inclined to be jealous.
"Now missy, rise as if to go and call Gift to follow. It will be as big a temptation as he ever had. He doesn't usually make friends the way he has with you and Duke. Perhaps I'm a fool to try him so."
"Then I will not——"
"No, no. I want to know if Gift cares for me as much as I think he does. You must try him."
Beth was growing nervous over the situation. Somehow, she realized that the love of Gift meant more to the man before her than almost anything in his life. If the dog failed him at this point it might have a very disastrous effect.
"Come, come; do as I say," cried Brown with somewhat of his original curtness of manner.
Beth did not dare refuse, but trembled for the result. She arose. Duke wagged his tail in delight that she was going.