He had not appeared at the camp in Beechwood Forest the summer before as often as the Girl Scouts had expected. Apparently the Emperor regarded only a few persons with affection. The confusion of camp life did not please him to the extent of the quiet little House in the Woods.
Miss Frean had a peculiar sympathy with animals, the rare gift possessed by few persons and most of them lonely in their relation to human beings.
At present Tory Drew was not surprised by the visit from the Emperor. Troubled by the first heavy snowstorm of the winter, he had come to see if all were well with his friend.
Unhesitatingly Tory opened the door and the big dog rushed indoors. He was a Great Dane and she reeled slightly when he threw himself against her, placing his heavy paws on her two shoulders.
The voice that ordered him down was not wholly devoid of fear.
The Emperor obeyed, but seized hold of the crimson dressing gown, the property of Miss Frean, which Tory was still wearing. He began pulling at it with an intensity of appeal.
Tory recognized the situation, or was under the impression that she recognized it.
Far away as the House in the Woods was from other homes, some one must have gone astray in the storm. The Emperor had come to the one person he knew who was sure to give aid. He had come to seek Miss Frean. Not finding her, he was making his petition to the person he had discovered in her place.
Taking off the dressing gown, Tory slipped on her shoes and overshoes, and then more slowly her coat and furs.
The dog remained patiently waiting so far as any movement of his body, but always with the suggestion of imploring haste in his eyes.