The rest of our story may be told in a few words. Puss was soon
domesticated on her London hearth, and pursuing her avocations with her
customary skill and spirit. She was a universal favourite, though just
at first she had to endure a little gossip about her history and
appearance; some pronouncing her to be very pretty, others seeing
nothing particular in her worth so much trouble. But in due time her
reputation was firmly established as the prettiest cat and the best
mouser in the neighbourhood.
While she made herself useful in her department, I was not idle in mine;
and I think I may safely say that no house could boast of a more
faithful and vigilant guardian. It was difficult to determine which of
us was most useful to our master; Puss in preserving his property from
"rats and mice and such small deer," or I, in keeping off larger
depredators. Our joint business was to take care of the house, and
thorough care we took, and thoroughly were our services appreciated and
rewarded. Welcome guests on kitchen hearthstone or on drawing-room rug,
treated as pets by the servants, as friends by our master, and agreeable
company by his acquaintances, no animals have ever passed a happier
life. Lily has often been to see us; and next to the pleasure of being
once more caressed by her own hand, was that of hearing our story told
to her husband by her own lips, and our friendship mentioned with
approbation to her little son.
* * * * *
It may seem absurd to suppose that a human being can profit by the
history of a dog; but I believe that no creature is too insignificant,
and no event too trivial, to teach some lesson to those capable of
learning it; and a moral to this little story may be found in the
advantage of making the best of untoward circumstances, and of
cultivating kindness and goodwill in place of prejudice and dislike. In
short, to any, small or great, who have hitherto found or fancied their
companions uncongenial, I would propose Puss and Captain as an example
of a new and better method of
"LIVING LIKE CAT AND DOG."
THE END.
Savill and Edwards, Printers, Chandos-street.
ORIGINAL JUVENILE LIBRARY.
A CATALOGUE
OF
NEW AND POPULAR WORKS.
PRINCIPALLY FOR THE YOUNG.
PUBLISHED BY
GRIFFITH AND FARRAN,
LATE GRANT AND GRIFFITH, SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS,
CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
LONDON.
* * * * *
A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GIFT.
Elegantly bound in a new white morocco cloth, price _21s._
THE BRIDAL SOUVENIR;
Containing the Choicest Thoughts of the Best Authors, in Prose and
Verse. Richly illuminated in gold and colours from designs by Mr. S.
Stanesby.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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