But Aunt Julia drew back with a little scream of dismay.
"Don't bring him near me, child! I never can bear the sight of blood. I dare say he will go mad and bite somebody. Take him away, and tell some one to drown him."
"Drown Pug!" said Amity: she could hardly believe her ears.
"Oh, I wouldn't do that!" said the lady who had spoken to Amity. "I dare say he can be cured."
"I don't believe it," said Miss Julia: "he will be limping about, a horrid object for ever so long. Little wretch! After my giving forty dollars for him, to go and spoil himself so."
"It was very inconsiderate in him," said Mrs. Barnard dryly.
"Well there, do take him away, and relieve our eyes and ears," said Miss Julia. "You should never have brought him here."
"I shouldn't have done so, only I thought you loved him, Aunt Julia," said Amity; and she walked away without another word.
Mrs. Barnard followed her a few steps.
"Take him down to the stable, my dear, and ask my man Lewis what to do with him," said she. "Lewis knows all about animals, and he is a famous dog-doctor. He will tell you whether the poor little fellow can be cured, or whether it will be more merciful to put him out of pain. You are a dear little girl, I think. Will you come some day and make me a visit?"