OUR PUSS. 59

forward, and the special traits in her character duly chron-
icled.

Strange to say, then, that although our story is one of
remarkable attachment (I had almost said affection) shown
by her, she did not enter our domicile a kitten, but a full-
grown cat. It happened in this way. Our house had got
overrun with mice, and it became an urgent necessity for our
comfort and their discomfiture that a cat should appear on
the scene. The milkmaid came to the rescue, and brought us
Puss on loan. She made short but effective work among our
tormentors, for in less than a week not one dared show its
little nose, although before Puss arrived they would scamper
over the room and nibble about the fire-place with the most
perfect assurance. Our purpose accomplished, we sent Puss
back to her old home at the dairy, but before the messenger
returned Puss was at our door again waiting to be re-ad-
mitted. Time after time was she taken to her former home,
but it was of no use. She would stay with us—and stay
she did.

Years passed on, and in their course little ones came,
who scampered about the room much as the mice had done.
But Puss was always gentle with these little strangers, and
although their tiny fingers oftentimes pulled her sadly about,
scarcely would she raise a paw in self-defence. Her uniform
gentleness in the long run led them to give up teasing her ;
and, as they gained sense, they were fain to return her kind-
ness, and all lived together on the most happy terms. Her
first visit every morning was to the children’s room. She
would sit patiently while they were being dressed, follow
them downstairs, and afterwards attend closely during break-