Once upon a time there was a Pussy–cat called Ribby, who invited a little dog called Duchess, to tea.
’Come in good time, my dear Duchess, ’ said Ribby’s letter, ’and we will have something so very nice. I am baking it in a pie–dish—a pie–dish with a pink rim. You never tasted anything so good! And you shall eat it all! I will eat muffins, my dear Duchess!’ wrote Ribby.
Duchess read the letter and wrote an answer:—’I will come with much pleasure at a quarter past four. But it is very strange. I was just going to invite you to come here, to supper, my dear Ribby, to eat something most delicious.
’I will come very punctually, my dear Ribby, ’ wrote Duchess; and then at the end she added—’I hope it isn’t mouse?’