It seemed a shame to be so lavish of such sweet kisses, and on a dog's forehead; but all the same Maude bestowed them there, and the ugly brute blinked and snuffled and whined softly. Suddenly a thought seemed to strike Maude though, and her little fingers began to busy themselves about the dog's collar, to tremble visibly, and at last with a faint cry of joy she detached a note folded in a very small compass, and fitted in a little packet of leather the colour of the dog's skin. Trembling with eagerness she was about to open it, when the door was opened, and Robbins entered to announce-- "Sir Grantley Wilters." Maude turned from crimson to white, and Joby crept slowly under the couch, resenting an offer made by the butler to drive him out by such a display of white teeth that the pompous domestic said to himself that the dog might stay as long as he liked, for it wasn't his place to interfere. Sir Grantley's costume was faultless, for he was a fortune to his tradespeople--the tightest of coats and gloves, the shiniest of boots, and the choicest of "button-holes," displayed in a tiny glass of water pinned in the fold of his coat, as he came in, hat and cane in one hand, and a little toy terrier in the other--one of those unpleasantly diminutive creatures whose legs seem as if they are not safe, and whose foreheads and eyes indicate water on the brain. "Ah, Lady Maude. Delighted to find you alone," said the baronet, advancing and extinguishing the dog with his hat, so as to leave his tightly-gloved hand free to salute the lady. "I am not alone," said Maude quietly, and she pointed to his lordship's chair. "No: to be sure. Asleep! Well, I really thought you were alone, don't you know." "Papa often comes and sits with me now," said Maude, quietly. "Very charming of him, very," said Sir Grantley. "Quite well?" "Except a headache," said Maude. "Sorry--very," said the baronet, hunting for his glass, which was now hanging between his shoulders. "Bad things headaches, very. Should go for a walk." "I preferred staying at home this afternoon," said Maude. "Did you, though! Ah!" said Sir Grantley. "Sorry about the headache. Always take brandy and soda for headache I do, don't you know. By the way, Lady Maude," he continued, taking his hat off the little dog as if he were performing a conjuring trick, "I bought this beautiful little creechaw in Regent Street just now. Will you accept it from me?" "Oh, thank you, no," said Maude. "I'm sure mamma would not approve of my accepting such a present." "Oh, yes, I asked her yesterday, don't you know, and she said you'd be most happy. Very nice specimen, not often found so small. May I set it down?" "Oh, certainly," said Maude, colouring with annoyance; and evidently very glad to get rid of the little animal, the baronet set it down and it began to make a tour of the room.