"Do you really? Or do you say that to be kind? Besides, I am not at all sure. It is perfectly possible—even,[173] perhaps, probable that you saw him before I did."
"No, I don't think so. I think he's your dog, Miss Leslie. I surrender all claim to him——"
"No! I can not permit you to do such a thing! Forgive me. I was excited and a little vexed.... I know you would be very unhappy if I took the little thing——"
"Please take him. I do love him already, but that is why it gives me a p-p-peculiar pleasure to relinquish all claims in y-your favour."
"Thank you. It is—is charming of you—exceedingly nice of you—but how can I accept such a real sacrifice?... You would be perfectly wretched to-night without him."
"So would you, Miss Leslie."
"I shall be wretched anyway. So it doesn't really matter."
"It does matter! If this little dog can alleviate your unhappiness in the slightest degree, I insist most firmly that you take him!"
The girl stood irresolute, lifted her brown eyes to his, lowered them, and gazed longingly at the puppy.
"Do you suppose he will follow me?"