“For any particular reason?”
“Only to see my friends, and pass them the time of day!”
“To see your friends? Yes; but I am sure they found it difficult to pass. The road must have been blocked from end to end!”
“Well, there’s not many about now, as you may notice.”
“Is that thing a cat you have beside you?”
“Yes; it’s the newly-invented Chinese breed.”
“Where did you rise it?”
“It came to the house as a stray kitten. A stray cat coming in like that brings luck.”
“Well, it’s more like a dilapidated old weasel.”
“Don’t abuse it, sir, if you please, for it has something in common with your friend, the other gentleman.”