and that if he had no objections, they should like to give him to Arthur
for his own; but added, that she did not wish to do so unless perfectly
agreeable to him. She was quite surprised to see Mr. Martin coming in at
the door on the second morning after the letter was sent. He said he had
come within three miles on business, and thought he would just ride
round, and take the dog.

"I fear you may find him troublesome, sir," said Mrs. H., "for my
children have allowed him to take great liberties with them."

"Not a bit! Not a bit!" said the old gentleman; "to be sure my wife
don't take to dogs overmuch, but you see, the boy is a little home-sick,
and we want him to feel more contented, if we can; so I was very glad to
take the dog. He is a noble fellow, on my word. How old is he?"

"Two next Spring," said Mrs. H., "and he is a very kind, faithful
creature, I assure you. We all love him very much."

Emma and Charlie, who had just comprehended that the stranger-gentleman
was going to take away the dog, began to look very grave indeed. Emma
was no martyr, to suffer calmly for conscience' sake, much less little
white-headed Charlie, who obstinately asserted with a most heroic air,
that "nobody should tarry off _his_ doggie."

"But your dear brother Arthur is all alone, and he cries at night when
he goes to bed, because he has no brother nor sister there, not even a
pussie or a dog. He won't cry if Rover is with him. Don't you want Rover
to go?"

"Esmaam I do; but I want Rover to stay here with me too."