"A black-and-tan collie with a blue-ribbon round his neck, and a saucy look on his face."
"A blue ribbon around his neck? It wouldn't be the one I saw going into the public-house, then?"
The constable paused to consider, while Molly suddenly whirled down the street and pounced on the errant collie. Seeing this, Constable McSherry turned to continue his leisurely course of inspection.
As Desmond returned from his hurried meal, he again met Molly, towing her unwilling captive home. She signalled to Desmond to stop.
"I have been thinking that you might take me to the meeting," she said.
Desmond shook his head.
"Not to-night, Molly. You would have me laughing all the time. There's a circus coming next week; will you come to that?"
"Do you think I am never serious?" the girl asked. "I would not so much as smile."
"It can't be done, Molly. I shall be sitting at a table writing for all I am worth."
"Then I will sit just behind you and torment you all the while," she remarked vindictively.