Her fancy was travelling very fast, when a voice, they both well knew, was heard calling Farfallo, coupled with a polite request, not proffered in the gentlest tones, that "the devil would fetch the dog."
Some rocks were between them and the impatient owner. Farfallo sprang away. Aveline stood up with a bright smile.
"So like him—so impatient!" she said, as if she were paying him a compliment. He came suddenly upon them.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick turned quietly towards him, as if they had only parted yesterday.
"We were to blame, Mr. Haveloc. We kept your dog," said she smiling.
He stopped short in astonishment.
"Mrs. Fitzpatrick! Is it possible?" he exclaimed. "How fortunate I esteem myself in meeting you again."
"The surprise is all on your side," said Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "This dog of yours warned us of your near neighbourhood."
"You remembered him then? I hope he has not bored you—he is so wet. And you, Miss Fitzpatrick, I trust you are quite recovered."
Aveline made a slight bow, and smiled. Mrs. Fitzpatrick answered for her.