Dumaresq had lately complained of a pet kitten that played about the house having strayed into her room, and been locked up accidentally in the wardrobe.
"The very thing! It must be the kitten," thought Miss Prudence.
The wail, after a short interval, was renewed, and this time Miss Prudence distinctly recognised the cry of a young cat.
Full of courage she jumped out of bed, struck a light, put on her dressing-gown and slippers, and began to search for pussy.
She tried the wardrobe, the chest of drawers, looked under the bed and up the chimney, but in vain. The creature was not to be found. As she passed the door communicating with her sister's room, it seemed to her that the sound came from there.
She opened the door softly, and shading the light with one hand, gently called "puss, puss, puss." Nothing came. The cry, however, sounded distinctly nearer, louder, and more human.
"Augusta! what is that noise? Augusta! are you awake?" said Miss Prudence with renewed alarm.
There was no answer but a prolonged
