In "Scotty" Baldy discerned a compelling personality to whom he rendered
willing allegiance and respect, as well as a dawning affection. And it
was with much gratification that he had heard occasionally after
inspection comments in a tone that contained no trace of regret at his
presence, even if it had as yet inspired no particular enthusiasm. To be
sure Allan found some merit in the least promising dogs as a rule, and
perhaps the faint praise he was beginning to bestow on Baldy had in it
more or less of the impersonal approval he gave to all dogs who did not
prove themselves hopelessly bad. But it seemed at least a step in the
right direction when "Scotty" had said, replying to criticism of the
Woman, "No, he is certainly not fierce, and by no means so morose as he
looks. So far I must confess he's proving himself a pretty good sort."
Of course even the Woman, who admitted frankly that first impressions
counted much with her, knew that it was not always wise to judge by
appearances, for she had seen the successful development of the most
unlikely material. There was the case of Tom, Dick, and Harry. No one
would ever have supposed in seeing them, so alert and with the quickness
and grace of a cat in their movements, that in their feeble mangy
infancy they had only been saved from drowning by their excellent family
connections, and their appealing charm of responsiveness. A
responsiveness that in maturity made them favorites with every one who
knew them, and prompted the tactful ways that convinced each admirer
that his approval was the last seal to their satisfaction in the fame
they had won.
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