TOBY.
"Remove your arms from my neck, Little Missis—I feel unusually apoplectic—and let me take two or three turns on the rug,
"Whilst I turn the matter over in my mind, for never was there so puzzled a Pug!
"I am, as your respected Father truly observes, a most talented creature.
"And as to fit subjects for family portraits and personal appearance—from the top of my massive brow to the tip of my curly tail, I believe myself to be perfect in every feature.
"And when my ears are just joined over my forehead like a black velvet cap, I'm reckoned the living likeness of a late eminent divine and once popular preacher.
"Did your great-great-grandmamma ever take a prize at a show? But let that pass—the real question is this:
"How is it that what I am most highly commended for, should in your case be taken amiss?
"Why am I reckoned the best and cleverest of dogs? Because I've picked up tricks so quickly ever since I was a pup.