"Of course I rushed, as you say. Think of the feelings of the poor woman who has lost her pet. It was the only kind thing to do."
"'Poor woman' indeed! I assure you she's nothing of the sort. One would think you were a millionaire to be ladling out benefactions like this. 'No reward required.' Fancy not even asking for the price of the advertisement to be refunded!"
"But that would have been so squalid."
"'Squalid!' I've no patience with you. Justice isn't squalor. It's—it's justice. As for your 'poor woman,' listen to this." And he read out the Bathurst advertisement with terrible emphasis on the words "Handsome reward offered." "Do you hear that—'handsome'?"
"Yes, I hear," said his wife amiably; "but that isn't my idea of making money."
"I hope you don't suppose it's mine," said her husband. "But there is such a thing as common sense. Why on earth the accident of this little brute following us home should run us into the expense of an advertisement and a certain amount of food and drink I'm hanged if I can see."
"Well, dear," said his wife with the same amiability, "if you can't see it I can't make you."
IV.
A few minutes later the arrival of "a lady who's come for the Peek" was announced.
"No," said Mr. Friend as his wife rose, "leave it to me. I'll deal with it. The situation is very delicate."