"Well, I think we may let Margery have the tea-things. But here is Captain's cake."
"Oh, may I give him his supper?" said Ellen.
"Certainly. You must carve it for him; you know I told you he is very particular. Give him some of the egg, too he likes that. Now, where is the Captain?"
Not far off; for scarcely had Alice opened the door and called him once or twice, when, with a queer little note of answer, he came hurriedly trotting in.
"He generally has his supper in the outer kitchen," said Alice "but I grant him leave to have it here to-night, as a particular honour to him and you."
"How handsome he is! and how large!" said Ellen.
"Yes, he is very handsome; and more than that, he is very sensible for a cat. Do you see how prettily his paws are marked? Jack used to say he had white gloves on."
"And white boots, too," said Ellen. "No, only one leg is white; pussy's boots aren't mates. Is he good-natured?"
"Very if you don't meddle with him."
"I don't call that being good-natured," said Ellen, laughing.