"It is not often I go away and leave half my errand undone, though I have this time," Mr. Dexter called out as he came up, and extended the roll of paper he held. "This is the plan of the proposed alteration in the stables at the farm, sir, which you wished to look over. Shall I carry it to the house?" "By no means. I'll carry it myself, if you will give it me," replied Mr. Chandos. And the agent finally departed. "Are you sufficiently rested, Miss Hereford?" My answer was to rise and proceed towards the house. Mr. Chandos, walking by my side, seemed absorbed in the roll, which he had partially opened. On the right the drive leading to the stables branched off. I was glad that Mr. Chandos passed on, and did not propose to go to Nero then. Lady Chandos came forward as we were entering the portico. "What is this—about the dog attacking you, Miss Hereford?" she exclaimed. I was so taken to, after the wish expressed by Mr. Chandos, and the promise I had given him, that I remained like a stupid mute. He answered. "Nero got loose, mother. Miss Hereford was in the act of entering the gate—or had just entered, was it not, Miss Hereford?—and he like a castle's zealous watch-dog, prevented her advancing further." "Did he touch you, Miss Hereford?" Lady Chandos asked, turning to me. "He was not quick enough, madam: I ran back beyond the gate. My fear was, that he would leap over; but he did not. Perhaps it was too high." "But he would have attacked you had you not gone back?" "I think he would. He seemed very savage." "Harry, this is just what I have feared," Lady Chandos observed to her son, in a peculiar significant tone. "A fierce, powerful dog, like that, _is_ liable to break his chain and get loose; and I have said so to you over and over again. He would attack a stranger—any one he did not know, and might cause a fearful disturbance. You know why I have feared this." "The stables are safely closed at night, mother," was the somewhat curious reply of Mr. Chandos. "Robin says the dog sprang through the window; dashed through the glass. There can be no security against that, day or night." "My opinion is, that some of the men must have been teasing him and so worked him into a fury. I shall inquire into it, and if I find it to be the fact, whoever did it shall go. Better precaution shall be observed for the future." "Yes," said Lady Chandos, in a decisive tone, "and that precaution must be the sending away of the dog." "But really, mother, there is no necessity." "Harry, I am surprised at you. You know why I urge it: why I ought to urge it." The conversation did not make me feel very comfortable, and I interposed, "I do beg that no change may be made on my account, Lady Chandos. No harm is done. I am not hurt."