AND HER CAT. 19

always stood on his defence. Sharpphiz watched several
days for a favourable opportunity.

One evening, after an excellent supper, Mowmouth had
ensconced himself by the drawing-room fire, and was peace-

 

RTL EN

ably sleeping at Dame Mitchell’s feet, when Daddy Sharp-
phiz entered the room.

“Good!” said he, “the cat’s asleep. Now to call off
his protectress.”

“How good you are to come and keep me company!”
said the dame, politely. ‘I hope I see you well, this
evening ?”

“Perfectly well; but every body cannot say as much.
Our gate-keeper, for instance, is in a dangerous state ; his

B