nd
hunting, that whenever there's a meet near, he _can't help_ going, and
if he goes, he _has_ to follow, and then he can't leave off. So
sometimes, when there is an accident, or anything, and he's wanted here
very badly, he's quite the other side of the county!"

Maisie nodded her head gravely as she heard of those little weaknesses;
and just then, reaching the foot of the hill which led down from the
vicarage, they came into the village again, and there was Dr Price
himself standing at his gate, facing them.

He was a broad, strongly-built man of about five-and-forty, with a
clean-shaven square face, and very fair hair and eyebrows. These looked
curiously light on his red-brown skin, which was of an even tint all
over, as though used to encounter wind and rough weather. He was so
constantly on horseback, that it seemed strange to see him standing on
his own legs, and more so to see him walk, which, indeed, he did with an
odd movement of the knees, as though it were some difficult exercise.
He wore riding-boots and breeches, and had a short pipe in his mouth.
At his heels were his two white terriers, Snip and Snap.

As Maisie's eye fell on the dogs, she stopped short, and caught hold of
Dennis by the arm.

"Oh!" she exclaimed; "I forgot."

"Forgot what?" he answered, with a pull forward. "Don't be stupid.
Come on."

"Why, Snip and Snap," said Maisie eagerly, still holding back. "It
wouldn't be a good home. They'd chase it. Don't let's speak to Dr
Price about it. It wouldn't be any use."

"We must speak to him now," said Dennis, going steadily on, and dragging
Maisie with him. "Perhaps he'll know of some one, if he can't have it
himself. _You_ ask," he added hurriedly, as they came close to the
doctor.

Dr Price took off his hat, and smiled down very kindly at Maisie, as she
put her question. She spoke hesitatingly, for the sight of Snip and
Snap had reminded her of their habits. On most days their swift white
forms were to be seen scouring over the country in search of rabbits, or
other small defenceless creatures. Dr Price on horseback, and his
terriers on foot, were well known for many miles round Fieldside, and
Maisie could not help thinking them most unsuitable companions for the
grey kitten.

This seemed to strike the doctor himself.

"Well now, that's very kind of you, Miss Maisie," he said, looking
thoughtfully at the bowl of his pipe; "but the fact is I'm not much of a
hand at cats my