Then again she sat dreaming. Sir Mortimer came around the corner of
the house, and went straight to Sprite for the caress everyone offered
him. He listened to her sweet voice as she told him what a fine cat
he was, he arched his back, and purred his loudest.

After a time he lay down on the grass beside her, taking his morning
sunbath.

Princess Polly, in the meantime, had awakened and missed Sprite. She
dressed hastily.

As she passed the window a soft voice talking to Sir Mortimer made her
pause and look out. She leaned from the window.

"Oh, there you are!" she cried. "I missed you, and I couldn't guess
where you were. I'll come right down to the garden." She flew down the
stairs, and out into the sunlight.

Sprite ran to meet her, and with their arms about each other, they
paced up and down the broad piazza.

Sir Mortimer blinked at them as he sat in the sunlight, as if he
approved of their merry chatter. Possibly he thought it fine that there
were to be two little girls at Sherwood Hall to pet him.

"The garden is so lovely," Sprite said, as they paused to look out
across the lawn.

"Come!" cried Polly. "I'll show you all the prettiest places."