CHAPTER XVII.
THE LETTER FROM FRANCE.
Leo conducted his team to Pemberton Square, and knocked at the back door of the rich man's house. One of the kitchen girls answered the summons, and great was her surprise when she saw the palace of the mice. It was taken into the kitchen, and Mrs. Checkynshaw was called. She came down, accompanied by Miss Elinora. Leo explained that the banker had purchased the establishment, and that he had been directed to deliver it.
Elinora, though she had sat up late the night before at the party, and had been very ill-natured all day, was surprised into a smile of pleasure when she saw the cunning little creatures in their curious house. Leo gave them some canary seed, of which he carried a supply in his pocket, in order to induce the pets to exhibit themselves when desired. They had behaved very well thus far, and had produced a favorable impression upon all who had seen them.
Elinora was pleased with the mice because they promised to afford her a new sensation.
"I think I'll have them in my chamber, mother, where I can see them," said she, after she had looked at them a while.
"I wouldn't have them in my chamber, miss," replied Leo.
"Why, not?"
"They sleep in the daytime, and train in the night. They would rattle about the house so that you could not sleep."
"I will have them in my dressing-room, then," added she.