Jan Cuxson made a movement to end a situation which was bordering on
cruelty when Lady Hetth anticipated him with her customary dire
tactlessness.

"There now, Leonie! _Now_ perhaps you'll be satisfied. Give Mr.
Cuxson a kiss and say thank you nicely!"

Leonie would have cheerfully put her hand in the fire to serve this
wonderful being who royally distributed gifts, and _live_ ones at that,
and only hesitated for the barest fraction of a second before, her face
suffused with crimson, she walked up to him.

"Of course if--if you want me to--I'll--I'll kiss you," she said
heroically, unconsciously squeezing the puppy under the stress of the
awful moment until it yelped, "but I'd--I'd wather----" She stopped
and looked up hurriedly into the understanding face of the elder man.

He nodded as he caught her eye so that she finished all in a hopeful
burst.

"But I'd wather not if you don't mind!"

Lady Hetth frowned and put out her hand, murmuring something about
really having to go.

"I'll send for her and Nannie, Lady Hetth. And keep her out of doors
as much as possible. Why don't you take her to the Zoo this afternoon?"

"I couldn't _possibly_!" came the prompt and irritable reply.