I strenuously combated all her objections, trying to convince her that the journey which seemed so formidable would turn out a mere pleasure-excursion. I did not mind getting wet myself; but as she did, I was glad to assure her that there was plenty of shelter in case of rain. Indeed, one might suppose that the whole road had been laid out for the express convenience of cat travellers; there were such hedges, trees, stiles, sheltered nooks, and sunny banks in every direction. Then as for strange dogs, was I not there to protect her? was I not a match for any dog? and did she not know that I would gladly shed the last drop of my blood in her cause, besides enjoying a fight on my own account? She sighed, but her sigh was a nearer approach to a purr than before, though her objections were far from being finished.
She owned that she dreaded change. She had her own habits and her own duties; she had been used all her life to that same house, with its cellars and its pantries under her especial charge, and she was afraid that in a new place she might be idle and uncomfortable.
This seemed to me a most unreasonable punctilio. I allowed that she might fairly prefer the country, but I could not for a moment admit that a town life need be idle. Did she suppose there were no mice in London? I could answer for the contrary. The servants were perpetually complaining not only of mice, but of rats; and only the day before I started, I had heard them declare that they could not do without a cat any longer. A most active life was open to her. The only danger was, that she might find too much to do, and that her love of neatness and comfort might be revolted by the dark crannies and gloomy cellars in which she had to seek her work. But as for being useless, that was indeed an idle fear any where for any body who wished to work.
She listened attentively, and began to purr in a more decided manner.
"Still," said she, "I am afraid they will miss me here."
"No doubt," I replied; "but their loss can be remedied. A house like this can be kept in order by a very inferior cat to yourself; and after all, you are cherished here chiefly because it was Lily's wish. Peggy can easily find another kitten; and you know she has often said that white cats were not to her taste, and she should much prefer a tabby."
"True, true," murmured Puss; and seeing that she was gradually softening, I continued to place every inducement before her in the strongest light. I represented the present unguarded state of the sugar, candles, preserves, &c., in a manner to touch the feelings of any domestic cat, and dwelt at some length on the improvement that must take place in the house under her vigilant superintendence. And I finally crowned my persuasions with the tenderest appeal to her affection for me, drawing a vivid picture of the difference to me and to my happiness that would result from her companionship. Pussy had for some time been wavering, and before I had finished my harangue she purred a full consent.
I need not describe my delight at thus gaining the great object of my life. Some feelings should not be made public property. My happiness was not of a nature to be boisterous, but it was such as to satisfy Pussy that she had decided aright.
At break of day we began our grand adventure, as we were anxious to lose no time; and we had been so well fed over-night, that we could defy hunger for the next twenty-four hours. When I had set out on my solitary journey, I had felt very easy about my accommodations and mode of travelling; but now that I had my less hardy companion, many cares crowded on my mind, and I pondered so profoundly over every arrangement, that Puss seemed the most cheerful and courageous of the two. Indeed, from the moment she agreed to my request, she generously gave to the winds all her former objections, and thought of nothing but helping me, and giving as little trouble as possible herself.
We passed through our native village quietly. All curious observers had visited us the night before; and our friendship was so well known, that the sight of us together attracted no notice beyond a few kind words; but on emerging into the great world of the London road, we were obliged to hold a consultation upon our proceedings. Though our object was the same, our views of the best means of attaining it did not quite agree; Pussy's idea being to avoid fighting, mine to be prepared for it. Doubtless a combination of both principles was our true policy.