“Your dog doesn't easily make friends, Peter,” he said.
“He's like his master, sir; it's against the principles of his life,” said Pete.
Ross laughed a little. “Wants to be approached with consideration, does he, Capt'n?”
“You see, he's lived such a long time in the world and seen such a dale,” said Pete.
Ross looked up sharply and said in another tone, “I've just dropped in to congratulate you on your return home in safety and health and prosperity, Mr. Quilliam.”
“You're welcome, sir,” said Pete.
Pete led the way indoors. Ross followed, bowed distantly to Kate, who was unpicking a dress, and took a chair.
“I must not conceal from you, however, that I have another object—in fact, a private matter,” said Ross, glancing at Kate.
The dress rustled in Kate's fingers, her scissors dropped on to the table, and she rose to go.
Pete raised his hand. “My wife knows all my business,” he said.