When a rapis is found dead, apparently attacked by a carouche, or vamprie that feeds on lower lifeforms, Nick remembers the late 19th century, when he had a dog himself, Raleigh.
(another flash backing favorite with all the tasty implications!)
LC: "Austerity doesn't suit you, Nicholas. I worry about you in this awful place living off the land."
N: "I like the challenge [pause] and the solitude."
LC: "Hmm. A hound is a picturesque touch. Gone to the dogs in my stead -- imagine it. To let you think he responds to you out of affection...out of love." (Watch Nikkie practically flinch at the word 'affection'. Ooo...the "L" word too.)
N: "And he's a good hunter too."
LC: [upset] "IT IS a pack animal Nicholas, the attention it gives you has nothing to do with affection. It is mere instinct. It will follow any master." [Nick will look, finally, at LaCroix, but turns away when their eyes meet]
N: "He is my friend." (Do I detect a slight haughtiness in tone and action? Silly boy, mustn't piss off Uncle so!)
LC: (Yes, he is visibly angry. Controlled, but angry.) "Dogs...are for breakfast. And only in the hardest of times."
Later:
LC quite gleefully dispenses with Nick's new companion, to a Carouche. (Jealous of a dog? Why Uncle, how possesive must you be?)
Still later:
Then their little tete-a`-tete. With Nick hacking out stakes to
kill Raleigh [the dog], and LaCroix taunting him more.
(LC takes such delight in putting his Nicholas over the edge with fury.
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