He was not to be denied; he followed her again, and took the skirt of her dress in his teeth, as if to hold her back.

Robert forced the dog, growling and resisting with all his might, to let go of the dress.

"Don't be rough with him," said Isabel.

"Put him on her ladyship's lap; he will be quieter there." Robert obeyed.

He whispered to Lady Lydiard as she received the dog; she seemed to be still incapable of speaking--she bowed her head in silent assent.