And, as ever toward the feeble, his big nature went out in friendly protection to this gangling wisp of impishness.
Which was all the good it did him.
In fact, it laid the huge collie open to an endless succession of torment.

For the dog's size and patience seemed to awaken every atom of bullying cruelty in the small visitor's nature.
Cyril, from the hour of his arrival, found acute bliss in making Lad's life a horror.

His initial step was to respond effusively to the collie's welcoming advances; so long as the Mistress and the Master chanced to be in the room.

As they passed out, the Mistress chanced to look back.
She saw Cyril pull a bit of cake from his pocket and, with his left hand, proffer it to Lad.

The tawny dog stepped courteously forward to accept the gift.