I think we 'll get along with each other . If we do n't I can leave -- like the others did . '' `` What is your name ? '' `` Nelly Ray . '' `` Well , Nelly , I hope you 'll be able to keep your place . Let me give you a bit of friendly advice . Do n't let the cats get into the pantry . That is what Mrs. Pennington has quarrelled with nearly every one of her girls about . '' `` It is quite a bother to keep them out , ai n't it ? '' said Nelly calmly . `` There 's dozens of cats about the place . What on earth makes them keep so many ? '' `` Mr. Pennington has a mania for cats . He and Mrs. Pennington have a standing disagreement about it . The last girl left here because she could n't stand the cats ; they affected her nerves , she said . I hope you do n't mind them . '' `` Oh , no ; I kind of like cats . I 've been tryin ' to count them . Has anyone ever done that ? '' `` Not that I know of .
I tried but I had XXXXX give up in despair -- never could tell when I was counting the same cat over again .
If about because for into like of on that to