prospective brother-in-law may be an
oppression if he will always be presupposing too good an understanding with you,
and agreeing with you even when you contradict him. The thought that he had made
the mistake of paying his addresses to herself could not take shape: all her
mental activity was used up in persuasions of another kind. But he was
positively obtrusive at this moment, and his dimpled hands were quite
disagreeable. Her roused temper made her colour deeply, as she returned his
greeting with some haughtiness.
    Sir James interpreted the heightened colour in the way most gratifying to
himself, and thought he never saw Miss Brooke looking so handsome.
    »I have brought a little petitioner,« he said, »or rather, I have brought
him to see if he will be approved before his petition is offered.« He showed the
white object under his arm, which was a tiny Maltese puppy, one of nature's most
naïve toys.
    »It is painful to me to see these creatures that are bred merely as pets,«
said Dorothea, whose opinion was forming itself that very moment (as opinions
will) under the heat of irritation.
    »Oh, why?« said Sir James, as they walked forward.
    »I believe all the petting that is given them does not make them happy. They
are too helpless: their lives are too frail. A weasel or a mouse that gets its
own living is more interesting. I like to think that the animals about us have
souls something like our own, and either carry on their own little affairs or
can be companions to us, like Monk here. Those creatures are parasitic.«
    »I am so glad I know that you do not like them,« said good Sir James. »I
should never keep them for myself, but ladies usually are fond of these Maltese
dogs. Here, John, take this dog, will you?«
    The objectionable puppy, whose nose and eyes were equally black and
expressive, was thus got rid of, since Miss Brooke decided that it had better
not have been born. But she felt it necessary to explain.
    »You must not judge of Celia's feeling from mine. I think she likes these
small pets. She had a tiny terrier once, which she was very fond of. It made me
unhappy, because I was afraid of treading on it. I am rather short-sighted.«
    »You have your own opinion about everything, Miss Brooke, and it is always a
good opinion.«
    What answer was possible to such stupid complimenting?
    »