Little Byron 157 



poor Byron could not do so. He pulled at the cord 

 with joy at the sight of every dog they met, and flew 

 around as if mad. Mrs. Merton was mortified and 

 angry. She would have liked to kill the little fel- 

 low then and there ; but outwardly she was smiling 

 and serene. 



At last the walk was ended. Mrs. Merton 

 retired to her room, taking the young dog with her. 

 A row of shapely shoes was at the side of the wall ; 

 and seizing one of these, and holding the innocent 

 cause of her vexation by the collar, she gave him a 

 cruel beating. As she stopped from exhaustion, the 

 trembling little creature looked up into her face with 

 pleading eyes ; but he saw no pity there, only cold, 

 cruel pride, and relentless, unreasoning anger. He 

 felt no resentment, for he did not snarl or growl. 

 He forgave her the moment she released him, for 

 he turned affectionately and licked her hand. She 

 drew it sharply away, boxed his ears, and harshly 

 ordered him to lie down. With an inquiring and 

 appealing look, he turned and obeyed. 



After this episode his life was a series of misfor- 

 tunes. The servants abused him shamefully, and his 



