"Shush-h-h! There! He's gone. I wanted to see him stroke his whiskers. I wonder whether he be a gentleman rat or a lady rat?"
This happy remark provided a new opening. Alfred said with authority:
"He's a buck rat. He didn't feel frightened, but I reckon he'd told his missis and the little 'uns that he'd just take a squint at a notable couple, and come back. I'll wager a new hat, he's telling 'em a fine tale."
"For all you know he may be an old bachelor."
"Ah! Rats are wiser than we. And Nature is kinder to them. 'Tis no big business for them to get to house-keeping. When they're good and ready, they go at it—slam bang."
"Yes. Animals don't want much."
Alfred pressed her a little closer.
"Take off hat and gloves, Fancy."
"Why?"
"'Tis a notion I have."