“Beppo wants to speak, I know he does,” said Pollio to Posy.
The dog wagged his tail, as if to reply, “You understand my feelings, my dear little master.”
“Well, try it: see if you can’t speak.” Beppo raised his eyes, wagged his tail again, and, to the intense surprise of the children, said, or seemed to say, in a fine, piping voice,—
“I was w’ipped last night.”
Pollio rolled over; and Posy sprang up, exclaiming,—
“Who said that?”
“Why, who did?” cried Pollio, almost turning a somerset.
There was no person in the room but themselves and Nunky, who was too busy reading the newspaper to take any notice. Who had spoken? It couldn’t be Beppo!
“Your papa w’ipped me!” said the piping voice again, Beppo still gazing straight at Pollio.