They would much have preferred to have remained roasting themselves in front of the Hall fire, but, ridiculous as it was for their mistress to leave the warm house for the comparatively cold terrace, they felt themselves in duty bound to join her.
Perhaps they might catch sight of a rabbit to repay them for their exertions.

Donald walked with stately steps toward his mistress, and Bess was following, with a shiver of reluctance and a backward glance towards the fire-light which shone through the open door, when suddenly she sniffed the presence of a stranger, and, with a sharp yap, hurled herself down the broad steps and towards the spot where Stafford still stood.

Donald, with a loud bay, followed with his long stride, and Ida, startled from her reverie, followed as far as the top of the steps, and waited.
"I might have expected the faithful watch-dog," said Stafford to himself.

"Now, what on earth am I to do?
I suppose they'll spring on me--the collie, at any rate.

It's no use running; I've got to stop and face it.