As I seated myself in a low chair that was placed invitingly near that of my hostess, my ears were startled by a long melancholy howl, which changed every now and then to an impatient whine.
"What is that ?" I asked, though the question was needless, for I knew the sound.
"Oh, it is that tiresome dog Wyvis," answered Nina, in a vexed tone.
"He belonged to Fabio.

He makes the evening quite miserable with his moaning." "Where is he ?" "Well, after my husband's death he became so troublesome, roaming all over the house and wailing; and then he would insist on sleeping in Stella's room close to her bedside.

He really worried me both day and night, so I was compelled to chain him up." Poor Wyvis! He was sorely punished for his fidelity.
"I am very fond of dogs," I said, slowly, "and they generally take to me with extraordinary devotion.

May I see this one of yours ?" "Oh, certainly! Guido, will you go and unfasten him ?" Guido did not move; he leaned easily back in his chair sipping his coffee.
"Many thanks," he answered, with a half laugh; "perhaps you forget that last time I did so he nearly tore me to pieces.

If you do not object, I would rather Giacomo undertook the task." "After such an account of the animal's conduct, perhaps the conte will not care to see him.