"
"Would you like to go over the atlas again, talking about all
these matters, as well as the mere outlines of the countries
you have studied before?"
"Oh, yes, dearly!" exclaimed Ellen.
"Well, I think we may let Margery have the tea-things. But
here is Captain's cake."
"Oh, may I give him his supper?" said Ellen.
"Certainly. You must carve it for him; you know I told you he
is very particular. Give him some of the egg, too — he likes
that. Now, where is the Captain?"
Not far off; for scarcely had Alice opened the door and called
him once or twice, when, with a queer little note of answer,
he came hurriedly trotting in.
"He generally has his supper in the outer kitchen," said Alice
— "but I grant him leave to have it here to-night, as a
particular honour to him and you."
"How handsome he is! and how large!" said Ellen.
"Yes, he is very handsome; and more than that, he is very
sensible for a cat. Do you see how prettily his paws are
marked? Jack used to say he had white gloves on."
"And white boots, too," said Ellen. "No, only one leg is
white; pussy's boots aren't mates. Is he good-natured?"
"Very — if you don't meddle with him."
"I don't call that being good-natured," said Ellen, laughing.
"Nor I; but truth obliges me to say, the Captain does not
permit anybody to take liberties with him. He is a character,
Captain Parry.
Pages:
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293