Colonel Wyvern said he was sorry to hear it, and there is no doubt that conversation would once more have become difficult had there not at this moment made itself heard from the other side of the door a loud and penetrating sniff.
A fatherly smile lit up Chas. Bywater's face.
"That's Mr. John's dog," he said, reaching for the cough drops.
Pat opened the door and the statement was proved correct. With a short wooffle, partly of annoyance at having been kept waiting and partly of happy anticipation, Emily entered, and seating herself by the counter, gazed expectantly at the chemist.
"Hullo, Emily," said Pat.
Emily gave her a brief look in which there was no pleased recognition, but only the annoyance of a dog interrupted during an important conference. She then returned her gaze to Mr. Bywater.
"What do you say, doggie?" said Mr. Bywater, more paternal than ever, poising a cough drop.
"Oh, Hell! Snap into it!" replied Emily curtly, impatient at this foolery.
"Hear her speak for it?" said Mr. Bywater. "Almost human, that dog is."
Colonel Wyvern, whom he had addressed, did not seem to share his lively satisfaction. He muttered to himself. He regarded Emily sourly, and his right foot twitched a little.