K.K. went into an ecstasy of adoration; she jumped and licked the Atom's cheek, she wriggled, she ran to and fro, she gave short little whimpers, and she turned a reproachful, widely innocent gaze upon the Atom's suspicious countenance.
Sheila Pat laughed proudly.
"She always looks burstin' with goodness when she's been doin' somethin' bad," she said.
"She is a beautiful little dog."
"She got first prize at the dog show, in the cocker spaniel puppy class, an' a 'Highly Commended' in the open class."
"Ach!" said Herr Schmidt.
"Aunt Kezia doesn't like her. Molly says she would if she was a cat, because old maids always like cats, but Sarah says she won't let her give scraps to the poor starvin' creatures at all. Kate Kearney mostly stays in the Stronghold with us. Denis 'gested the name. Isn't it a good one? It's our very own room, you see, and Aunt Kezia's the enemy we keep—" There was a jerk, a pause.
Herr Schmidt, peering across at her, saw an agonised wave of red mount to her very brow.
"I—I think I'd better be goin' now," but she did not move.
He took a step towards her.