Page:Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Volume 2.djvu/133

Rh "Touch a hair of that clear creature and I'll raise the house! " cried Lavinia, roused at once.

Puss, who had viewed the fray sitting bolt upright on the table, now settled the vexed question by skipping into Lavinia's arms, feeling, with the instinct of her race that her surest refuge was there. Mat retired in silent disgust, and the Raven fell asleep soothed by the grateful purring of her furry friend.

"Last night's experiences have given me a longing for adventures," said Mat, as they journeyed on next morning.

"I've had quite enough of that sort," growled Lavinia.

"Let us read our papers, and wait for time to send us something in the way of a lark," and Amanda obscured herself in a grove of damp newspapers.

Lavinia also took one and read bits aloud to Mat, who was mending her gloves, bright yellow, four-buttoned, and very dirty.

"Translate as you go along, I do so hate that gabble," begged Mat, who would not improve her mind.

So Lavinia gave her a free translation which