Columbus was busy trying to unearth a wood-louse that had eluded him in a tuft of grass.

She watched him lazily.
He persevered for a long time, till in fact the tuft of grass was practically demolished, and then at last, failing in his quest, he relinquished the search, and with a deep sigh lay down by her side.
She laid a caressing hand upon him, and ruffled his grizzled hair.

"I'd be lonely without you, Columbus," she said.
Columbus smiled at the compliment and snapped inconsequently at a fly.

"I wish we had brought some lunch with us," remarked his mistress.

"Then we needn't have gone back.