THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS OF A MOUSE (1783-1784)
by Dorothy Kilner




INTRODUCTION

During a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow
confined everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to
have one to shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and
were hot obliged by business to expose themselves to its rigour, I
was on a visit to Meadow Hall; where had assembled likewise a
large party of young folk, who all seemed, by their harmony and
good humour, to strive who should the most contribute to render
pleasant that confinement which we were all equally obliged to
share. Nor were those further advanced in life less anxious to
contribute to the general satisfaction and entertainment.

After the more serious employment of reading each morning was
concluded, we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man's-buff,
battledore and shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting
and innocent; and when tired of them, drew our seats round the
fire, while each one in turn told some merry story to divert the
company.

At last, after having related all that we could recollect worth
reciting, and being rather at a loss what to say next, a sprightly
girl in company proposed that every one should relate the history
of their own lives; 'and it must be strange indeed,' added she,