Gertrude was talking to the collie. "Isn't he beautiful, Marie?" she exclaimed. "Come here, you dear fellow. I fell in love with him the minute I saw him—to whom does he belong, Mr. Glover? Come here."
"How is your hand?" asked Marie.
"Do give Mr. Glover a chance," interposed Gertrude. "Tell me about this dog, Mr. Glover."
"He is the best dog in the world, Miss Brock. Mr. Bucks gave him to me when I first came to the mountains—we were puppies together——"
"And how about your hand?" smiled Marie.
"What is his name?" asked Gertrude.
"It wasn't a hand, it was a wrist, and it is much better, thank you—his name is Stumah."
"Stumah? How odd. Come here, Stumah. Does he mind?"
"He doesn't mind me, but no one minds me, so I forgive him that."
"Aunt Jane doesn't think you mind very well," said Marie. "Clem had a steak twice as large as usual prepared for the supper you ran away from."