"Would you like to go over the atlas again, talking about all these matters, as well as the mere outlines of the countries you have studied before?" "Oh yes, dearly!" exclaimed Ellen. "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. "Nor I; but truth obliges me to say the Captain does not permit anybody to take liberties with him. He is a character, Captain Parry. Come out on the lawn, Ellen, and we will let Margery clear away." "What a pleasant face Margery has," said Ellen, as the door closed behind them; "and what a pleasant way she has of speaking. I like to hear her--the words come out so clear, and I don't know how, but not like other people." "You have a quick ear, Ellen; you are very right. Margery had lived too long in England before she came here to lose her trick of speech afterwards. But Thomas speaks as thick as a Yankee, and always did." "Then Margery is English?" said Ellen. "To be sure. She came over with us twelve years ago for the pure love of my father and mother, and I believe now she looks upon John and me as her own children. I think she could scarcely love us more if we were so in truth. Thomas--you haven't seen Thomas yet, have you?" "No." "He is an excellent good man in his way, and as faithful as the day is long; but he isn't equal to his wife. Perhaps I am partial. Margery came to America for the love of us, and Thomas came for the love of Margery; there's a difference." "But, Miss Alice!----" "What, Miss Ellen?" "You said Margery came over _with you_?" "Yes, is that what makes you look so astonished?" "But then you are English, too?" "Well, what of that? You won't love me the less, will you?" "Oh no," said Ellen; "my own mother came from Scotland, Aunt Fortune says." "I am English born, Ellen, but you may count me half American if you like, for I have spent rather more than half my life here. Come this way, Ellen, and I'll show you my garden. It is some distance off, but as near as a spot could be found fit for it."