"Are you sufficiently rested, Miss Hereford?"
My answer was to rise and proceed towards the house. Mr. Chandos, walking by my side, seemed absorbed in the roll, which he had partially opened. On the right the drive leading to the stables branched off. I was glad that Mr. Chandos passed on, and did not propose to go to Nero then. Lady Chandos came forward as we were entering the portico.
"What is this—about the dog attacking you, Miss Hereford?" she exclaimed.
I was so taken to, after the wish expressed by Mr. Chandos, and the promise I had given him, that I remained like a stupid mute. He answered.
"Nero got loose, mother. Miss Hereford was in the act of entering the gate—or had just entered, was it not, Miss Hereford?—and he like a castle's zealous watch-dog, prevented her advancing further."
"Did he touch you, Miss Hereford?" Lady Chandos asked, turning to me.
"He was not quick enough, madam: I ran back beyond the gate. My fear was, that he would leap over; but he did not. Perhaps it was too high."
"But he would have attacked you had you not gone back?"
"I think he would. He seemed very savage."
"Harry, this is just what I have feared," Lady Chandos observed to her son, in a peculiar significant tone. "A fierce, powerful dog, like that, is liable to break his chain and get loose; and I have said so to you over and over again. He would attack a stranger—any one he did not know, and might cause a fearful disturbance. You know why I have feared this."