“Oh meow! meow! just like my mother,” I interrupted.
Mary smiled. “I see you understand me. To continue, Pussy, my father is what is called a banker. He was born in Maine, but he went to California as a young man. He married there, and we lived there until a few years ago, he and I, and dear mamma. Then we came 'East' as Californians say, for I had spinal disease, and I had to be taken to New York to see some clever doctors. Then I got better, and mamma took me to Europe. Papa bought this house, and when we came home we established ourselves here. Do you think you will like me, Pussy?”
Her little face was so sweet and so wistful that I could not help saying, “Meow!” very gently to her.
She stroked me, and turned my head toward the window and pointed out nice things on the Common opposite us. “You see, this is a beautiful situation for a home,” Mary went on, half to herself, half to me. “The snow has gone now, and one can see the grass and the dear little buds coming on the trees. Can you find that squirrel away over there on the tree branch, Pussy? His bright eyes are on me. All through the winter I fed him with nice nuts, and he is grateful. Some day I will carry you down to see him, but you must not chase him, Pussy.”
She talked to me a long time about the Common, and the people on it—it was noon, and a great many were hurrying up to the hill to get their lunch—until at last some one opened the door.
“Lunch is ready, Miss Mary,” I heard some one say, and looking round I saw an old woman.
“Very well, nurse,” replied my little mistress, and getting up, she slipped me in the chair by the window.
“I do not dare to take you down-stairs so soon, Black-Face, for you might run away, but I will bring you up something nice.”
I sat by the window, and watched the people outside, and dozed a while, until Mary came back with a tray for me. I jumped up then, and looked at it. It contained cream toast, a slice of chicken, and a saucer of milk.
I had a very nice lunch, then Mary said, “Now, what shall I do with you? My governess comes at three to give me some lessons. Would you like to go in the school-room, or would you rather stay here?”