Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/194

190 was giving them their mid-day meal, and she could see the stalwart back of her silent uncle as he sat at the table at the end of the porch. She often wished she had been "born black" and could join the hands in the kitchen. They would have talked to her, and no doubt welcomed her with pleasure. Certainly they would not have ignored her as her uncle persisted in doing.

She wondered sometimes if he was really unaware of her presence. He never looked at her, but divided his attention between his food and his dog, Doctor, a Llewellyn setter, who was his constant companion. Doctor enjoyed this snack on the porch, as at no other meal could he come to table with his master, the ladies of the house being strict about dogs being allowed in the house. Doctor would sit by Spot's side, his plume-like tail spread out on the floor, and at every mark of attention from his master, either an affectionate pat or a bit of food, he would sweep the porch with a vigorous wagging. Sometimes the tidbits would come too slowly for his liking, and then he would place his paw imploringly on Spot's knee and the expression in his eyes would have melted the heart of a hanging judge.

Doctor was a man's dog and a one man's dog