was proceeding to drive the intruders
out in great wrath.

"'Let her stay,' I said, decidedly; 'she is a great pet of mine.'

"Mouser looked anxiously in my face, without dropping the kitten from
her mouth, as if her life depended on my words. She seemed instantly to
understand that I had conquered, for she laid the kitten down, and was
gone in an instant.

"I understood the whole matter at once, but had hard work to make nurse
believe that I really meant to have the cat and all her family on my
bed. It was with great reluctance she brought a foot blanket from the
closet, and spread it over the white counterpane, all the while
muttering, 'Well, I never heard any thing like it. I don't believe it's
healthy. I won't be answerable for the consequences.'

"When Mouser had brought the last one, and laid it on the blanket at the
foot of the bed, she walked deliberately up to me, and began to lick my
hand, while the look of gratitude and satisfaction she gave me amply
repaid my interference in her behalf. It said, as plainly as possible,
'Now I have all I love about me, and without distraction can attend to
you, my dear mistress, and not neglect my family. Now I am contented and
happy.'

"I was sick two days after this. At night, Mouser and her charge were
removed to the corner of the room; but whenever I made any sound of
distress, she was directly at my side, looking in my face, and mewing
piteously. I understood perfectly that she wished to express her sorrow
and sympathy at my affliction.

"When I was able to be out of bed, her delight was so great that even
the nurse was convinced of her affection. She frisked about, played with
her kittens, which she had not once done while I was in bed, followed
me around the room, leaping upon me, and rubbing her glossy fur against
my dress. Do you wonder, Minnie, that I love Mouser; and other kittens
for her sake?"

The lady was somewhat surprised, when the enthusiastic child, instead of
answering, started suddenly and gave her a kiss. From this time, a warm
friendship was established between them.

When she had gone, the child had a refreshing nap, and then asked her
mother to get the book and read her a story.

"Here is an affecting one," remarked Mrs. Lee, after having looked over
the pages, "where puss loved her mistress as much as Mrs. Davis's Mouser
did.

"A lady named Madame Helvetius had a favorite kitten, which constantly
lay at her feet, seemingly always ready