dogs."
Anthony was surprised to hear his own voice saying sharply, "And who is Alfred?"
"He's my cat," said Pearl, turning her whole face up to him. "Everyone says he's very ugly, but I love him."
They smiled at each other; it was so obvious that Anthony refrained from saying, "Lucky creature."
Presently they moved toward the house--first Pearl, bearing Horatius still wrapped in Anthony's motoring coat; then Durland, most solicitous lest the dog should be too heavy for Miss Exeter; then Anthony carrying his shoes and coat and waistcoat; and then Antonia, dancing about. They approached the house in a quiet and rather sneaky way, by the kitchen entrance. Anthony had no wish to meet his sister, who supposed that he had been grilling a criminal. The children felt grave doubts that their mother would welcome Horatius at all--not that she was a cruel woman, but that she feared strange curs about the house. Fortunately the cook, who had a great weakness for Antonia, was cordial, and allowed Horatius to dry out behind the kitchen stove.
It was now high time to dress for dinner, so there was a good excuse for stealing softly up the back stairs.
While Anthony was tying his tie a knock came at the door, and Edna came in with the manner of a person confidently