"But 'Michael' is all I have in the wurrld, except me father. Now, what could ye give me instead of him?"
Here was where a little humour would save the whole situation. Things were becoming strained—and over a dog.
Alaric would use his SUBTLER humour—keen as bright steel—and turn the edge of the discussion.
"What can I give you instead of 'Michael'?"
He paused, laughed cheerfully and bent tenderly aver her and whispered:
"MYSELF, dear cousin! MYSELF!" and he leaned back and watched the effect. A quick joke at the right moment had so often saved the day. It would again, he was sure. After a moment he whispered softly:
"What do you say—dear cousin?"
Peg looked up at him, innocently, and answered:
"Sure, I think I'd rather have 'Michael'—if ye don't mind."
He started forward: "Oh, come, I say! You don't MEAN that?"