ix feet. By the energies of Mr. Fletcher and Frederick the sward is exquisitely trimmed and rolled; and their l

tly the cause of this step. The coming of his nephew, George, had seriously upset the peaceful routine of existence which it was his delight to lead; and a reason even more compelling was the gradual alteration in his attitude towards his hobby. This man perceived that the fancier's eye with which he regarded his darlings was becoming so powerful as to render his lover's eye in danger of being atrophied. The fancier's eye was lit by the brain-delighted only in "points," in perfection o

t to him), keeping only four exquisite favourites, of which the Rose of Sharon-that perfect orange cat, listed when shown at the prohib

. A room upon the ground floor, having a southern aspect, was set apart as bed-chamber and exclusive apartment for the four favourites, and Mr. Marrapit sought about for some excellent person into whose care they might be entrusted. Their feeding, th

chance of displaying those strong qualities which ultimately became her chief characteristic. And she was of those to whom plan of action comes instantly upon the arrival

ike air that her face wore, noticing also her landlady's evident sympathy with the gentle voice and manner which her racking head caused her to adopt, Mrs. Major saw at once the valuable aid to her future which the permanent wearing of these characteristics might be. From that moment she took up the role of distressed gentlewoman-advertised by tight-fitting black,

Major like cats? Ah, sir, she adored cats; her late husband-Words, at the recollection, failed her. She fa

amed for the inference he drew. He pictured the dead Mr. Major a gentleman sharing with his wife a passion for cats;

een her late husband directly occupied with a cat, and the occasion had been the cause of their vacating their lodgings in Shepherd's Bush precisely thirty minutes later. Mr. Majo

The vision of a gentle Mr. Major that Mr. Marrapit conjured sealed the

from her crocheting; observed in the dozing figure besi

with soft white hair. Beneath the head a long face, sallow of hue; in either cheek a pit; between them a dominating nose carrying eyegla

to go in," Mrs. Maj

er the creature's exquisite form, "is, I fear, still ai

expression was that of a t

most careful attention, of the most caref

ered the Rose against her bosom. "You w

stroll. I am perturbed

you a cap, M

ous. Nothing could console me should any evil thing come upon

e masterly woman glided swiftly towards the house; Mr. Marrap

sleeping garden awok