"Not me," replied Alaric. "Ethel can handle 'em. I hate the little brutes. All hair and teeth. I cannot understand women coddling those little messes of snarling, smelly wool."
Ethel came indignantly into the room soothing the excited and ruffled "Pet." She was flushed and very angry. How dare that brat let her mongrel touch the aristocratic poodle?
A moment later Peg entered with the victorious "Michael" cradled in her arms. She had a roguish look of triumph in her eyes. Down the front of her charming new dress were the marks of "Michael's" muddy paws. Peg was also breathing quickly, and evidently more than a little excited.
"Take that animal out of the room!" cried Mrs. Chichester indignantly the moment Peg appeared.
Peg turned and walked straight out into the garden and began playing with "Michael" on the grass.
Mrs. Chichester waited for a few moments, then called out to her:
"Margaret!" Then more sharply: "Margaret! Come here! Do you hear me?"
Peg went on playing with "Michael" and just answered: "I hear ye."
"Come here at once!"
"Can 'Michael' come in too?" came from the garden.