ut and snarling
over their faults.

Time slipped away very happily and imperceptibly. There were few changes
in our mode of life; though Pussy, from a kitten, in due time became a
full-grown cat, who left off running after her tail and climbing up the
banisters, and walked up and down stairs as steadily as I did myself. In
other respects our relations remained the same; I was the patron and
protector, she the friend and companion, sharing the same kennel and the
same platter, and both metamorphosed from the bitterest enemies into the
comfort and delight of each other's lives.

One day while we were basking in the sunshine, with our eyes half shut,
and Pussy purring pleasantly, I heard the sound of wheels at a distance.
Supposing it to be the baker's cart, I roused myself, and ran to the
gate, according to custom, to see him give in the bread. But long before
the vehicle came in sight, I smelt the difference between it and the
baker's cart. It came nearer; I felt in a state of uncommon agitation;
old recollections and associations returned with extraordinary
vividness, and my eagerness was intense till the carriage stopped at the
door. No wonder I had been so much excited; for who should be on the box
but my old friend John? and who should get out of the carriage but my
master himself.

Was I not in raptures! And did I not jump and tear about the court in my
joy! Pussy sat at the window watching my vagaries with astonishment.
When she understood the state of the case, she was very glad to see our
master, but expressed her pleasure in a more moderate way than I.

My master and John were cordial in their greetings to every body, but
they seemed very busy, and spent the rest of the day in walking over the
place and giving a number of orders. I followed close at their heels,
very happy to be in their company once more. The gardener and his wife
made many inquiries about Lily, as I would have done myself if I could;
and I listened eagerly to my master's replies, though I was rather
puzzled by some of them. He said she was quite well and very happy, but
that he missed her sadly.

"I can understand _that_," thought I, as I looked up at him in sympathy.

I believe he understood me, for he patted my head, saying, "Poor
Captain, she was very fond of you."

The gardener and his wife said that they had been "quite proud to hear
the news, for that if any body deserved her it was Sir Rodolph;" and my
master answered, "True, tr