BESSIE’S VISIT TO ROSE LAWN. 101

to the fence and bark, than Sancho jumped up
and began barking in an angry tone.

Bessie patted him upon the head and begged
him to be quiet. He ceased barking. The
other dog stopped too, but now and then gave
a low growl. |

“Poor fellow! good dog!” said Bessie, in her
gentlest tone, as she opened a small gate by. the
side of the large one, and closed it immedi-
ately. ‘“ Poor fellow,” said she, and laid her
hand on the dog’s black, shaggy head. He
wagged his tail and walked slowly by her side,
as she stepped along a path overshadowed with
elms, which led to the house.

She had been observed from the house by
Mr. Cramer and Ada, who were walking in the
piazza. :

“That girl’s courage is astonishing,” said
Mr. Cramer. ‘See how she has quieted both
those dogs.”

“She has a great deal of courage, papa;
I hardly dare go near Hector myself, he is
so fierce. I declare! it is little Bessie Mixon;
_ the very girl I was telling you about to-day!
What can she want?”