sedately, into his corner, the one nearest the
house, and there watch her soberly till she
disappeared indoors. Then -- further evidence of the
change that had come upon him -- he would lie
down in the warm sunlight and there fight flies,
although before he had been given to worrying
the family horse or irritating the brown saddler -- all
with nervous playfulness.

And he was dozing in his corner that morning
when his mistress came fluttering to him to say
good-by. He slowly rose to his feet and blinked
curiously at her.

"Pat dear," she exclaimed, breathlessly, "I'm
going now!" She flung her arms around his neck,
held him tightly to her a moment, then stepped
back. "You -- you must be good while -- while
I'm gone!" And dashing away a persistent tear,
she then hurriedly left him, speeding across the
_patio_ and stepping into the waiting phaeton.

He watched the vehicle roll out into the trail.
And though he did not understand, though the
seriousness of it all was denied him, he nevertheless
remained close to the fence a long time;
long after the phaeton had passed from view,
long after the sound of the mare's paddling feet
had died away, he stood there, ears cocked, eyes
wide, tail motionless, in an attitude of receptivity,
spiritual absorption, as one flicked with unwelcome
premonitions.

[[46]]

p045 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p046w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p047

v?