In reply to this question, Ami, whose left paw was still resting on his master, pricked up his ears, lifted his right paw and laid it on Honorine’s lap.
“On my word, Ami, you are getting to be too familiar,” said Paul, putting out his hand to remove the paw; but Honorine stopped him.
“Do let the dog alone. He loves me too, you see. Does that displease you?”
“No—no—madame; but——”
“Does it surprise you?”
“I confess that—knowing you such a short time——”
“You do not understand the friendship that your dog displays for me. But the very first time that he saw Agathe, he fawned upon her and caressed her; that was much more singular!”
“It was indeed; and I have often wondered, but in vain, what could be the source of Ami’s affection for a person he had never seen.”
“I should suppose, monsieur, that you would divine more readily this honest and faithful servant’s instincts; at least, after what I have heard.”
“What have you heard, madame?”