his is the most Arcadian retreat I ever was in. Upon my word, I am a
very lucky man."

"I suppose that it must be a relief when one has travelled so much,"
replied Mrs. Goddard.

"Or suffered very much," added the squire, half unconsciously, looking at
her sad face.

"Yes," she answered. At that moment the door opened and Nellie entered
the room, having successfully grappled with the inkstains. She went
straight to the squire, and held out her hand, blushing a little, but
looking very pretty. Then she saw the huge head of Stamboul who looked up
at her with a ferociously agreeable canine smile, and thwacked the carpet
with his tail as he sat; Nellie started back.

"Oh, what a dog!" she exclaimed. But very soon she was on excellent
terms with him; little Nellie was not timid, and Stamboul, who liked
people who were not afraid of him and was especially fond of children,
did his best to be amusing.

"He is a very good dog," remarked Mr. Juxon. "He once did me a very good
service."

"How was that?"

"I was riding in the Belgrade forest one summer. I was alone with
Stamboul following. A couple of ruffians tried to rob me. Stamboul caught
one of them."

"Did he hurt him very much?"

"I don't know--he killed him before the fellow could scream, and I shot
the other," replied the squire calmly.

"What a horrible story!" exclaimed Mrs. Goddard, turning pale. "Come
here, Nellie--don't touch that dreadful dog!"

"Do not be afraid--he is perfectly harmless. Come here Stamboul!" The
huge beast obeyed, wagging his tail, and sat down at his master's feet,
still looking rather wistfully at Nellie who had been playing with him.
"You see," continued Mr. Juxon, "he is as quiet as a lamb--would not hurt
a fly!"

"I think it is dreadful to have such animals about," said Mrs. Goddard in
a low voice, still looking at the dog with horror.

"I am sorry I told you. It may prejudice you against him. I only meant to
explain how faithful he is, that is all. You see a man grows fond of a
creature that has saved his life."

"I suppose so, but it is rather startling to see such an animal so near
to one. I fear I am very nervous."

"By the bye." said the squire with the bold irrelevancy of a man who
wants to turn the subject, "are you fond of flowers?"

"I?" said Mrs. Goddard in surprise. "Yes--very. Why?"

"I thought you would not mind if I had the garden here improved a little.
One might put in a couple of frames. I did not see a