“And wish him to be happy,” went on Mr. Martin.
“Y—y—yes,” she said rather unwillingly, for she began to see the door of the trap he was leading her into.
“Then suppose we leave it to the dog,” said Mr. Martin. “We are quite willing to abide by his own choice,” and gently taking the scarf from her hands, he slipped it through the dog’s collar, and Niger stood free.
“Now, allow me to escort you to your car,” said Mr. Martin, “or, better still, go alone, for I would confuse the dog. You call him, and we will say nothing, and see which he prefers.”
Third Cousin Annie was nearly choking with wrath, but she was helpless. Looking beyond her, I could see Chummy’s amused face, as he sat staring in the hall window. He was greatly interested in all that concerned the Martin family.
“Come here, Blackie, Blackie!” said Mrs. Ringworth, backing toward the staircase.
Niger never budged, but when she kept on he turned his back on her and went to lay his head on our Mary’s lap.
Mrs. Ringworth was so furious that she could not speak, and she turned and went quickly down the staircase to her car.
Mr. Martin ran after her and presently came back laughing. “She is all right now. I told
her I could get her a thoroughbred Airedale that a friend of mine wishes to give away, and what do you think she said?”