Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-06-14

at home that am very beautiful. wonde
if those in the outside world would thin
me as pretty"
This question so troubled the mouse tina
she determined to learn the truth, and on
afternoon, while the family were resting u
be ready for their evenings work, Blanch'
stole quietly up the dark passage into tn
kitchen, and peeped into the room. How
light and beautiful it was. The sunbeam
danced gaily in at the windows, and shon'
brightlyson rows of polished tinware. A
no one was to be seen, Blanche venturet
out of the hole, and said aloud: 'Hov
large the world is and how pleasant
would be to live here"
"Whom have 1 the honor Of hearing
speak?" said a voice near by.
| Blanche was so frightened that she coulo
not move from the spot, and she thought
''Now some one will see my beautiful coat
and will try to keep me from returning
home"
Then little white, curly dog crawlec
| from behind the stove and said: "Do moi
be alarmed, little mouse, I shall do you nc
| harm. I am Azor, and great pet with my
mistress; but sometimes in the afternoon
am very lonesome, and I shall be glad tc
make your acquaintance"
After these friendly words, Blanche drew
near to Azor and told him that for the first
time in her life she had crept from her home,
and how delighted she was to see out into
the world. Then the little dog described to
house, talked about his friends and told OF
the feasts which they had every night.
"You must come to one of our feasts, y
said he, "and I shall introduce you to
Minette and Pincher, the gray cats"
Seats" repeated Blanche, anxiously, for
she knew that in her home no one spoke
kindly of cats.
'These cats are very courteous, and
would receive you in the kindest manner, !"
said Azor; "now promise that you will
come-to-morrow night"
81 should like to, !" replied Blanche, 'but
I know my parents will not allow me-"
'They need know nothing about 1t, I"
urged the dog; 'they will be in the pantry
all night, and will never miss you. You
are much too beautiful to be hidden away in
that dark hole" -,.-
Blanche was much pleased with this re-
mark, and promised to be in the kitchen
the next evening. The little mouse then
hurried home. The family were just awak-
ing from their nap, and her absence had not
been noticed. All the next day Blanche
was very restless and uneasy. Her favorite
food lay untouched before her, and she
thought only of the evening. As soon as
the inhabitants of the mouse hole had gone
on their usual trip to the pantry Blanche
hurried away to the kitchen, where she
found Azor waiting for her.
81 was sure thot you would not disap-
point me" said he, "and now we shall 90
into the parlor, where our friends are wait
ing for u.s."
Although trembling with excitement and
aha a1a hrvb %
side. When they neared the door, Azor
said: "Can you walk on your hind feet?
That is the way we always appear at these
evening entertainments.
81 have never tried to walk that way"
said Blanche, "but if you will kindly give
me your paw, shall make the attempt"
The pair then entered the parlor, where
on the sofa sat two large cats, and on an
easy chair near by was the Newfoundland
dog, Carlo. Azor introduced his friend,
who was received with many polite boys
and words of welcome. The conversation
which followed was very learned, and SO
far beyond the understanding of the little
mouse that she grew weary, and was be-
ginning to fear lest she would fall asleep,
when supper was announced. Then what
scramble there was. The cats and dogs
seemed to forget all their fine manners, and
pushed and scratched one another in their
efforts to get the best that was to be had.
The little white mouse was so frightened
that she hid behind the table until the
meal was over. Then she said to Azor: 'I
must certainly hurry home, lest my parents
discover my absence and punish me for
having run away"
After many farewe1ls, and invitations
to be present the next evening, Blanche
went with Azor back to the kitchen.
No., 4lal 4 ]
a few of our meetings, you will become
wiser than your parents, and will know how
to act in refined society, where, on account
ite.' ''' -'''-
The foolish little mouse was so hattered
by these words that she readily prom
ised to again disobey her parents, and to
meet Azor the next evening Blanche re-
turned home before the family arrived there,
and nothing was known of her entrance into
polite society. The little white mouse was
true to her world, and at the appointed |
time again stole from her home into the |
kitchen.
"See, Azor," she said, "what beautiful |
blue ribbon have. Father gave it to me
his morning, and said it was very becoming |
TO my white fur. 1 can walk on my hind |
feet, too, for I have been practicing all day, |
md am sure you will be proud of me to- I
night
Azor was highly delighted with Blanche's
appearance, and after paying her many COM
oliments the two hurried away to the par
or. But the reception was not so pleasant |
Is it had been the night before. Carlo had
Iuarreled with the cats, and every one was
n bad humor.
81 think we had better not stay" whis-
)ered Blanche, when she saw how matters
tood. But ,Azor replied: cit would be
7ery impolite to leave so early. We must
It least stay until after supper"
The angry looks which Minette and
oincher cast at Carlo caused Blanche some
lneasiness, and she took a place near the
loor, so she might run away if occasion re-
Iuired. When the supper was brought in
here was no scramble this time; for the
ats would not eat at the same table with
Jarlo. After Azor had eaten his meal he
ooked about for Blanche; but she was no.
There to be seen. He then went to Pincher,
7ho had been taking walk in the hall.
"Where is our little friend?" he asked.
81 suppose she grew tired and went
ome, replied Pincher; '1 saw her 90 out
nto the hall some time ago.
The cat spoke very softly; but look in
er eyes made Azor think that the little
house never reached home. And he was
light.
When the mouse family returned home
rom their nightly visit, the first inquiry
ras for Blanche, and when she could not be
ound, there was great confusion in the
title house, the wonderings as to what |
ould have befallen their pet Finally the
lother said: 81 fear Blanche has been dis
bedient andventured away from home"
The father then ran through the passage
sadinp to the kitchen and inst at the on |