Her eyes wandered to the dogs.

Bess was still standing up against him, and Donald had thrown himself down beside him, and was regarding Ida with an air that said, quite plainly, "This new friend of yours is all right." "You have made friends with the dogs," she said, with a slight smile.
Stafford laughed.
"Oh, yes.

There must be some good in dumb animals, for most of 'em take to me at first sight." She laughed at this not very brilliant display of wit.

"I assure you they wouldn't cut me next time we met.

You can't be less charitable than the dogs, Miss Heron!" She gave a slight shrug to her straight, square shoulders.