At that moment the door opened and Diana came in; she was leading a child by the hand, and a dog followed her. Dr. Cheyney took off his spectacles.
“I’ll be jiggered!� he said abruptly.
Colonel Royall smiled faintly. “She would have her way,� he said apologetically. “I objected, but Diana rules the roost.�
Diana’s sad eyes met the doctor’s with a flash of humor. “I shan’t let you stay if you worry him,� she said.
The doctor held out his hand to Sammy, but Sammy refused to leave Diana; he clung to her skirts and hid his face in the folds.
“Seems to take kindly to you, Diana,� remarked the doctor.
She blushed. “He’s friendly enough,� she explained, “if you give him pennies.�
“Wants a penny!� said Sammy instantly, his tousled yellow head appearing from Diana’s skirt.
Dr. Cheyney explored his pockets and found a new one. “Come and get it,� he said.
Sammy moved over slowly and doubtfully, taking two steps backward to one forward every time.