Jeremy, as usual with Uncle Samuel, was uncertain as to his sincerity.
“He looks a bit funny just now,” he explained. “He's been drying on the rug. He'll be all right soon. He wanted to bite Mr. Jellybrand. It was funny. Mr. Jellybrand was frightened as anything.”
“Yes, that must have been delightful,” agreed Uncle Samuel. “What's his name?”
“We haven't given him one yet. Wouldn't you think of one, Uncle Samuel?”
The uncle considered the dog. The dog, with grave and scornful eyes, considered the uncle.
“Well, if you really ask me,” said that gentleman, “if you name him by his character I should say Hamlet would be as good as anything.”
“What's Hamlet?” asked Jeremy.
“He isn't anything just now. But he was a prince who Was unhappy because he thought so much about himself.”
“Hamlet'll do,” said Jeremy comfortably. “I've never heard of a dog called that, but it's easy to say.”
“Well, I must go,” said Uncle Samuel, making one of his usual sudden departures. “Glad to have seen the animal. Good-bye.”