Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole (1884-1941) was a New Zealand-born English novelist and short-story writer.

When Charlie Penwin arrives home with a dog, his wife is horrified. Mrs. Penwin agrees to keep the dog only if it is looked after by Blake, the wonderful, talented chauffeur whom she dislikes intensely.

Blake and the dog take to each other instantly, but the presence of the dog upsets the equilibrium of the household. Mrs. Blake and Mrs. Penwin hate the dog, as does Mopsa, the family's Sealyham terrier. Charlie and Blake are drawn closer together, almost bonding over the dog, but both of their marriages are developing dangerous rifts.

Mrs. Penwin is perpetually on the lookout for any opportunity to get rid of the dog....