they are no obstacle."

I tasted the wine and found it delicious, soft and mellow as summer
moonlight. While I sipped it the big Newfoundland, who had stretched
himself in a couchant posture on the hearth-rug ever since Cellini
had first entered the room, rose and walked majestically to my side
and rubbed his head caressingly against the folds of my dress.

"Leo has made friends with you, I see," said Cellini. "You should
take that as a great compliment, for he is most particular in his
choice of acquaintance, and most steadfast when he has once made up
his mind. He has more decision of character than many a statesman."

"How is it we have never seen him before?" I inquired. "You never
told us you had such a splendid companion."

"I am not his master," replied the artist. "He only favours me with
a visit occasionally. He arrived from Paris last night, and came
straight here, sure of his welcome. He does not confide his plans to
me, but I suppose he will return to his home when he thinks it
advisable. He knows his own business best."

I laughed.

"What a clever dog! Does he journey on foot, or does he take the
train?"

"I believe he generally patronizes the railway. All the officials
know him, and he gets into the guard's van as a matter of course.
Sometimes he will alight at a station en route, and walk the rest of