"My pupils, and, for the present, my wards," replied Mrs. Handsomebody frigidly.
"Wish I could steal them," said the lady. "If I'd dogs and boys too, I'd be happy. These are darlings." She turned to us then. "Boys, do you like Giftie very much?"
"Oh, we love her," we chorused.
"Would you like one of her puppies for your very own to keep?"
Would we? We couldn't speak for longing.
Mrs. Handsomebody spoke for us.
"I allow no pets, canine or otherwise."
The tall lady scowled. "But these are valuable dogs."
"All dogs are alike to me. Canines."
The tall lady gave something between a snort and a sigh.