You set them showing off in Parks. Like the blasted centurion, who said come and he cometh. I always want to bite them, since the dogs are too gentlemanly to do their own job.”

“Yes, I know,“_ndded Helen, who agreed, on principle, when it was possible. “But my dogs used to boss me. They had a secret understanding to all pull at once, in different directions. The wonder is I didn’t develop into a starfish.”

Stephen shouted with laughter.

“Good for them… . Like to see something special in the way of dogs? I bought him, today, from a farmer.”

Helen looked around the untidy room..

“Where is he?” she asked. “Under the bed?”

“Is that where you sleep? Inside the bed, you cuckoo.”

“Oo. Suppose he has fleas?”

“Suppose he hasn’t? … Come, Otto.”

Stephen raised a corner of the eiderdown, and an Alsatian peeped out.

“Bit shy,” explained Stephen. “I say, what price old Miss Warren when she sees him? She won’t allow a dog inside the house.”

“Why?” asked Helen.

“Afraid of them.”

Oh, no, she can’t be. It’s the other way round. People are afraid of her, because she’s so formidable.”.

“That’s only her make-up. She’s a hollow funk. Put her in a jam, and she’d smash.” She’s got the wind up now, over this gorilla gent. By the way, are you afraid of him?”

“Of course not.’ Helen laughed. “Perhaps, I might be a bit if I was alone. But no one could feel nervous in a house full of people.”

“I don’t agree. It all depends on the people. You’ll always find a weak link. Miss Warren is one. She’d let. you down.

“But there’s safety in numbers,” persisted Helen. “He wouldn’t dare to come here… . D’you want any sewing done?” “No, thank you, my dear. The godly Mrs. Oates has kept. me sewn up. In more sense than one, by the way.… . Now, there’s a character, if you like. You can bank on her—if there’s not a.