So saying, he ushered us across the hall to our master's study, and tapped at the door.
"Come in," called our master.
John opened the door, and stood there without speaking a word, while Puss and I walked forwards to our master's chair, she purring and I wagging my tail as usual, expecting him to say something civil, but not prepared for astonishment in our wise master. I thought we had left all that sort of thing behind with Peggy. But my master looked up and down, at John and us, us and John again, several times in silence. At last he said, "It is the most extraordinary thing I ever saw. How and when did they come?"
"Not five minutes ago, sir," answered John; "both together, as you see; and to judge from their dusty look, they must have walked all the way."
"No doubt," replied my master. "On what day did we miss the dog?"
"Four days ago, sir, after I told you how he was moping. He must have found his way all alone to the Manor, and brought the other back with him. It beats every thing that ever I heard."
"He must, indeed. Wonderful!" said my master.
"To be sure I did," thought I. "Where is the wonder?"
But as we were very hungry, we left John and our master to express their surprise to each other, while we turned our steps towards the kitchen. Even there, before we got any dinner, we were doomed to encounter a sharp fire of exclamations from the servants; and really such incessant expressions of amazement began to be almost mortifying. Approbation is pleasant enough, but astonishment gives the idea that people had not thought one capable of even one's own little good deeds. However, we bore it all with good humour, and were soon caressed and fed to our complete satisfaction.
The rest of our story may be told in a few words. Puss was soon domesticated on her London hearth, and pursuing her avocations with her customary skill and spirit. She was a universal favourite, though just at first she had to endure a little gossip about her history and appearance; some pronouncing her to be very pretty, others seeing nothing particular in her worth so much trouble. But in due time her reputation was firmly established as the prettiest cat and the best mouser in the neighbourhood.