s gently to Janet, and don't say you won't
receive another dog if the young lord sends one. Remember how kind his
mother and sisters are, and I dare say he is not so bad at heart, though
he has more than once fallen out with you."

"He has an abusive tongue in his head, and that shows what sort of heart
he has got," answered Dick, not inclined to agree with his mother about
Lord Reginald. "You tell me the ladies speak so sweetly, but, as Ben
Rudall says, that's all outside show, and I would not trust them."

"That's because you have never been at home when they have called, or
you would have agreed with me, if you had," observed Mrs Hargrave.
"Stay here while I get a sponge and some hot water; I can't let you go
about as you are; I cannot tell what people would say. If you were
seen, there would be all sorts of tales about you."

"I don't care what is said, and I should just like them to know that
Lord Reginald is a brute. That's what I call him."

"Hush! hush, Dick!" said his mother. "Sit you down here, until I have
taken off those blood stains, for although poor Janet cannot see them,
some one else may come in, and ask what has happened."

Dick seated himself on a bench to which his mother pointed, and she
quickly returned with soap and water. It was no easy operation,
however, to get rid of the stains, and Dick declared that before he came
in he must bury the dog. To this Mrs Hargrave consented, as she
thought it would be a good opportunity to tell Janet of the loss of her
favourite.

Dick, taking up the spade, and having selected a spot for Faithful's
grave, began digging away. More than once he stopped and gazed at the
animal, feeling unwilling to put it so soon out of sight; then he went
on more energetically than before. Having just completed his task, he
leaned on his spade, while the tears rolled down his cheeks, as he
thought he should never see his dog again. The wind had begun to blow
strong, and dark clouds were gathering in the sky. The gloomy aspect of
Nature suited his feelings. On looking up, he saw his mother and Janet
approaching.

"Mother has told me, Dick, what has happened," said his sister, as she
came up. "I want to stroke Faithful's head once more before you put him
into his grave." She stooped down by the side of the dog. "Oh! He
doesn't feel my hand now," she said. "I am very sorry; but, Dick, I
want you to promise me not to nourish anger against the young lord. He
wo