“You are to come in,” said Sylvia. “I have made up my mind. I have been preparing your room all day. If he finds it out I dare not think what will happen. But come—do come; I am ready and waiting for you.”
“I thought you would be. I can fetch the rest of my things to-morrow. Can we slip into my room now?”
“We can. Come at once.—Pilot, remember that this lady is our friend.—One moment, please, Jasper; I must be quite certain that Pilot does not do you an injury.—Pilot, give your right paw to this lady.”
Pilot looked anxiously from Jasper to Sylvia; then, with a deliberate movement, and a great expression of condescension on his face, he did extend his right paw. Jasper took it.
“Kiss him now just between his eyes,” said Sylvia.
“Good gracious, child! I never kissed a dog in my life.”
“Kiss him as you value your future safety. You surely do not want to be a prisoner at The Priory!”
“Heaven forbid!” said Jasper. “What I want to do, and what I mean to do, is to parade before her ladyship just where her ladyship cannot touch me. She could turn me out of every house in the place, but not from here. I do not want to keep it any secret from her ladyship that I am staying with you, Miss Sylvia.”
“We can talk of that afterwards,” said Sylvia. “Come into the house now.”
The two turned, the dog accompanying them. They passed through the heavy iron gates and walked softly up the avenue.