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mansion we now inhabit, and had many favours and indulgences bestowed upon me, such as I had never before experienced. Among these, I reckon one of the principal—that of being allowed to rear all my children, and to see them grow up in peace and plenty. My adventures here have been few; for, after the monkey had spitefully bit off the last joint of my tail for which I had the satisfaction to see him soundly whipped,—I kept beyond the length of his chain: and neither the parrot nor lap-dog ever dared to molest me. One of the greatest afflictions I have felt here was, the stifling of a whole litter of my kittens, by a fat old lady, a friend of my mistress's, who sat down on the chair where they lay, and never perceived the mischief she was doing till she rose, though I pulled her clothes, and used all the means in my power to show my uneasiness. This misfortune my mistress took to heart almost as much as myself; and the lady has never since entered our doors. Indeed, both I and mine have ever been treated here with the utmost kindness—perhaps, with too much; for, to the pampering me with delicacies, together with Mrs. Abigail's frequent washings, I attribute this asthma, which is now putting an end to my life rather sooner than its natural period. But I know all was meant well; and, with my last breath, I charge you all to show your gratitude to our worthy mistress, by every return in your power.
"And now, my dear children, farewell!"
Having said this, Grimalkin became speechless, and presently departed this life, to the great grief of all the family.
PERSEVERANCE AGAINST FORTUNE.
Theodore was a boy of lively parts and engaging manners; but he had the failing of being extremely impatient in his temper, and inclined to extremes. He was ardent in all his pursuits, hut could bear no disappointment; and if tho least thing went wrong, he threw up what he was about in a pet, and could not be prevailed upon to resume it. His father, Mr. Carleton, had given him a bed in the garden, which he had cultivated with great delight. The borders were set with double daisies of different colours, next to which was a row of auriculas and polyanthuses. Beyond were stocks and other taller flowers and shrubs; and a beautiful damask rose graced the centre. This rose was just budding, and Theodore watched its daily progress with great interest. One unfortunate day, the door of the garden being left open, a
