She took down a volume of Cowper, and found his account of the three pet hares. Ellen read it, and then several of his smaller pieces of poetry. Then followed a long talk about hares and other animals; about Cowper and his friends, and his way of life. Time passed swiftly away; it was getting late. "How weary papa will be!" said Alice. "He has had nothing to eat since dinner. I'll tell you what we'll do, Ellen," she exclaimed, as she threw her work down, — "we'll make some chocolate for him — that'll be the very thing. Ellen, dear, run into the kitchen and ask Margery to bring me the little chocolate-pot and a pitcher of night's milk." Margery brought them. The pot was set on the coals, and Alice had cut up the chocolate that it might melt the quicker. Ellen watched it with great interest till it was melted, and the boiling water stirred in, and the whole was simmering quietly on the coals. "Is it done now?" "No, it must boil a little while, and then the milk must be put in, and when that has boiled, the eggs — and then it will be done." With Margery and the chocolate-pot the cat had walked in. Ellen immediately endeavoured to improve his acquaintance; that was not so easy. The Captain chose the corner of the rug furthest from her, in spite of all her calling and coaxing, paying her no more attention than if he had not heard her. Ellen crossed over to him, and began most tenderly and respectfully to stroke his head and back, touching his soft fur with great care. Parry presently lifted up his head uneasily, as much as to say, "I wonder how long this is going to last" — and finding there was every prospect of its lasting some time, he fairly got up and walked over to the other end of the rug. Ellen followed him, and tried again, with exactly the same effect. "Well, cat! you aren't very kind," said she as length; — "Alice, he won't let me have anything to do with him!" "I am sorry, my dear, he is so unsociable; he is a cat of very bad taste — that is all I can say." "But I never saw such a cat! he won't let me touch him ever so softly; he lifts up his head and looks as cross; — and then walks off." "He don't know you yet, and truth is, Parry has no fancy for extending the circle of his acquaintance. Oh, kitty, kitty!" said Alice, fondly stroking his head, "why don't you behave better?"