84 MADGE’S MISTAKE.

beside me, and pushing his velvet nose into
my hand, looks up pityingly with his soft
brown eyes into my face.

The attentions of all these affectionate
animals tend to raise my spirits, till, with
Tuft perched on my shoulder, a kitten in
my lap, and Jock’s glossy head resting on
my arm, I really feel moderately happy
again,

Tam stroking Kitty and wondering what
my next move had better be, when, hearing
a footstep, I look up and see Jack strolling
towards me.

“T thought I should find you here,” he
says when he gets within hearing; then
coming up amongst us all and seating him-
self on the rabbit-hutch, he continues, “I’ve
brought you the last news, thinking you
might like to hear it.”

“Well?” I say, without looking up.

“Oh, you need not hear it if you don’t
wish!” says Jack majestically, and he turns
and begins to march towards the gate.

“Come back!” I ery, jumping up with