"Don't you think I deserve some reward, then?" he demanded softly.
I said:
"What do you want?"
"This," he said, and, stooping, kissed me.
I like to think always that that was my first real kiss.
VII
The trip home was uneventful, and, on account of Verley, spent for the most part in my state-room. The minute I left the room he would start to whine and bark so piercingly and piteously that of course I got into trouble, and was obliged either to take him with me or stay with him.
I used to eat my meals with Verley cuddled in my lap, thrusting up his funny, inquiring little nose, and eating the morsels I surreptitiously gave him from my plate, much to the disgust of some of the passengers and the amusement of others.