"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.
"And if I couldn't wrinkle my forehead and poke out my chin, and grimace at the judges, do you suppose I should ever have been—Class Pug. First Prize—Champion and Gold Cup?
"We have one thing in common—I do not find it easy to sit up.
"But I learned it, and so will you. I can't imagine worse manners than to put one's tongue in one's cheek; as a rule, I hang mine gracefully out on one side.
"And I've no doubt it's a mistake to gnaw your fingers. I gnawed a good deal in my puppyhood, but chewing my paws is a trick that I never tried.