52 THE HISTORY OF DAME MITCHELL

friend, “it is well for you to know the house. There is in
this house a powerful favourite who rules like a sovereign,
whose will is law, whose whims must be obeyed—and that
favourite isa cat. If you wish to be in the ‘posi books of
the whole household, you must try to please Mowmouth;
and if the cat, Mowmouth, honours you with his countenance,
you may depend upon winning the favour both of Lady
Greenford and her housekeeper, Dame Mitchell.”

‘The cat shall be my friend, and I will be the cat’s
friend,” returned the young follow, with assurance.

And truly, after this hint, he loaded Mowmouth with so
much attention, caresses, and good offices, that the latter,
though distrustful by nature, conceived a lively attachment
to Nicholas; he would follow him with pleasure, look
kindly upon him, and invite him by his gambols to play.

    
    

 

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Dame Mitchell was almost jealous of the young lad; whilst
Daddy Sharpphiz, who had his end in view, laughed i in his
sleeve, and rubbed his hands with glee.

One evening he called Nicholas into his room, and
carefully shut the door, after looking to see that there
were no eaves-droppers. “ Mowmouth is your friend,” said
he to him; “you have followed my instructions to the
letter.”

“T am likely to stop, am I not?” asked the lad.

* Very likely ; are you happy in your place?”

“ Pertectly so; for I who used to live on dry and black