Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/204

200 creatures, and perhaps they laughed at him for having to spraddle his legs out so far."

Rebecca raised her voice, to make sure Spot heard her last words. He was gone and the door to the dining room was closed with a bang. Then the little girl put her head in her lap and wept bitterly.

Doctor had followed his master to the door, somewhat dazed by his behavior. Why should he leave him without word or look and why should his share of the delectable corn pone be denied him. He stood by the door a moment, waving his tail to and fro. Once he raised his paw and scratched gently for admittance, or at least an explanation. He listened, head a bit on one side. Then he looked at Rebecca. She was sobbing, her face buried in her hands and her slender form a little huddled heap of misery. The dog walked slowly towards her and then, with the strange sympathy that dogs often feel and show to mankind in distress, he thrust his soft nose between her hands and tear-stained face and gently muzzled her under her sun-bonnet, licking her tears away as though he liked the salty taste.

Rebecca's sobs ceased.

"Oh, Doctor, Doctor! What a perfect gentleman you are!" she breathed. "Won't you