"Yes, I have, and wondered why 'twas left there."
"Wonder no more, Bert. It is there that you may put the paper upon it, rather than fling the news on a dirty door-mat."
"Fancy!" said Bert. "I never!"
"Bear it in mind henceforth, and, if you will delay a moment, I will give you some black currant lozenges for your throat."
A big black cat stood by his master listening to this conversation and
Bert now referred to him.
"Would thicky cat sclow me?" he asked.
"No, Bert—have no fear of Peter Grim," answered Mr. Churchouse. "His looks belie him. He has a forbidding face but a friendly heart."
"He looks cruel fierce."
"He does, but though a great sportsman, he has a most amiable nature."
Having ministered to Bert, Mr. Churchouse retired with his book and paper. Then came Mary Dinnett, red-eyed and in some agitation. But for a moment he did not observe her trouble. He had opened his parcel and revealed a volume bound in withered calf and bearing signs of age and harsh treatment.