A fat poodle had nearly forced his plump body between the palings of the front gate in the effort to get into the street, and sticking fast, was yelping in distress. As they looked Miss Stanhope ran quickly down the path, seized him by the tail, and jerked him back, he uttering a louder yelp than before.
"There, Albert," she said, stroking and patting him, "I don't like to hurt you, but how was I to get you out, or in? You must be taught that you're to stay at home, sir. Thomas! Thomas! come home, Thomas!" she called; and a large cat came running from the opposite side of the street.
"So those are Aunt Wealthy's pets. What an odd name for a cat," said
Elsie, laughing.
"Yes, Miss Elsie, dey's pets, sure nuff: Phillis says Miss Wealthy's mighty good t'em."
"There, she is coming in with them, and, mammy, we must make haste. I'm afraid it's near dinner-time," said Elsie, turning away from the window.
Her toilet was just completed when there was a slight tap on the door, and her father's voice asked if she was ready to go down.
"Yes, papa," she answered, hurrying to him as Chloe opened the door.
"Ah, you are looking something like yourself again," he said, with a pleasant smile, as he drew her hand within his arm, and led her down the stairs. "You have had a good sleep?"
"A delicious rest. I must have slept at least four hours. And you, papa?"
"I took a nap of about the same length, and feel ready for almost anything in the shape of dinner, etc. And there is the bell."