spare room because Mother Mouse is getting ready for a journey. Miss Mouse helps her. The CAT is outside, peeping now and then through the window, but so slyly that the mice do not see her.]

MOTHER MOUSE (going). Now mind you keep one eye on our grease-pot, child.

MISS MOUSE. That I will, dear mother!

MOTHER MOUSE. Let no one in,—no one! no one!

MISS MOUSE. No one, dear mother!

MOTHER MOUSE. I'll not be long away. Good-by, my child.

(Starting out; stopping.)

Mind you show no one the grease-pot, child,—no one! no one!

Miss MOUSE. No one, dear mother!

[Mother Mouse goes out of the front door.]

CAT (calling through window). Oh, Miss Mouse! Oh, Miss Mouse!

MISS MOUSE (showing alarm). Who calls?

CAT (very sweetly). Only I! Will you please let me in?

MISS MOUSE (shaking head). Mother said—

CAT (interrupting quickly). 'T is a matter of business!

MISS MOUSE (shaking head). But mother said—

CAT (interrupting). 'T is most important!

MISS MOUSE (as before). But mother said—

CAT (interrupting). I wish your advice—you are so clever!

MISS MOUSE (showing she is pleased; starting to window). Oh, do you truly think so?

CAT (nodding). Every one thinks so!

MISS MOUSE (showing she is more pleased; going to the window). Oh, do they, truly?

CAT. Oh, truly they do!

MISS MOUSE (showing she is most pleased; opening window). What else nice say they?

CAT (jumping in). That I'll tell you by and by.

(Sniffing about.)

There must be a grease-pot about! Am I not right?

MISS MOUSE. Mother said—