«Does he want to get acquainted?» Mark asked. «It's perfectly okay, except Queenie won't respond unless I tell her she can. Up, Queenie! Come here, Sultan! Come on, boy! Come over here and meet my friend. That's a boy …» he said, Carol watching as he took both animals' heads and brought their noses together, Queenie immediately wagging her tail in reception.

Fascinated, the young divorcee watched Mark Cannon's strong, gentle hands manipulate the two massive dogs with obvious, inbred ability, until the usual animal-type exploration of intimate parts began and Carol sensed a tiny twinge of ridiculous jealousy ripple through her.

«Well … I think we better be getting back home, Sultan,» she said, rising to her feet and drawing him to her side by the leash. «It's been very nice talking to you, Mr. Cannon. I've really enjoyed it …»

«Oh … are you leaving so soon?» he asked, looking directly up at her.

«Y-Yes, I think we better. It's nearly four and I have some things to do …»

«It's not very often that I find anyone besides Queenie to talk to,» he said with a smile, «and she doesn't say too much.»

«I – I know what you mean,» Carol replied, a warm feeling of sympathetic understanding filling her. «But maybe … maybe we can get together again soon. Do you come here every day?»

«Usually … but I will for sure if you say you're going to be here,» he said, causing the warmth she felt to pleasantly increase. «Better yet, why don't we get together some evening … that is, if you'd like to?»

His proposal took her by surprise. She smiled. «Why … why yes, I'd like that very much, Mr. …»

«Mark,» he interrupted. «Less formal. Okay?»

«Okay. And mine's Carol, you know,» she said, finding herself more and more excited by his casual charm.

'"Good!» he exclaimed, getting to his feet, Queenie immediately rising to attention. «Suppose we walk along with you, Carol, seeing we're going the same way? You mind?»