"He's--he's Laddie." The sound of his name pierced the sleep mists and brought the dog to wakefulness.

He raised his head inquiringly toward the Mistress, and his plumed tail began to thump the floor.

The Mistress patted him again; and spoke a word or two.

Lad prepared to drowse once more.

Then, to his dulled ears came the padding of little bare feet on the grass.
And he glanced up again, this time in eager interest.
Across the lawn from the orchard came trotting a child; carrying a basket of peaches toward the kitchen.