Mr. Lee laughed.
“Because,” she went on, “I found him crouched down in his cage, looking very sorry; and nurse says he ought to be ashamed of himself, cutting up such ridiculous capers.”
“I dare say he feels rather guilty,” remarked Mr. Lee. “He must be taught better, or your mother will be tired of him.”
When her father had gone to the city, Minnie looked so grave that her mother, to comfort her, took the book and read her some stories. A few of them I will repeat to you.
“A lady was returning from India, in a ship on board of which there was a monkey. She was a very mild, gentle creature, and readily learned any thing that was taught her. When she went to lie down at night, she made up her bed in imitation of her mistress, then got in and wrapped herself up neatly with the quilt. Sometimes she would wrap her head with a handkerchief.
“When she did wrong, she would kneel and clasp her hands, seeming earnestly to ask to be forgiven.”
“That’s a good story, mamma.”
“Yes, dear; and here is another.”
“A gentleman boarding with his wife at a hotel in Paris had a pet monkey, who was very polite. One day his master met him going down stairs; and when the gentleman said ‘good morning,’ the animal took off his cap and made a very polite bow.
“‘Are you going away?’ asked the owner. ‘Where is your passport?’ Upon this the monkey held out a square piece of paper.