And he came to an irresolute halt.

For a moment, he stared after the two vanishing runaways; his plumed tail swaying ever so little, in groundless expectation of an invitingly glance or yelp from Lady.

Then, tail and crest adroop, he turned slowly back toward the house.
From puppyhood, an odd trait of Lad's had caused amusement at the Place.

Whenever he was unhappy or considered himself ill-treated, it was his way to hunt for something wherewith he might comfort himself.
For instance, as a pup, a scolding for some petty misdeed would send him in search of his cherished flannel doll or his squeaking ball.

In later years, the car had taken the place of these babyhood comforters.
Lad cared more for motoring than for any other amusement.