So back we all went to the parlor, both the children laughing, as if it was the funniest joke in the whole world; and we looked under the tables, and chairs, and sofas, and piano, and into all the corners. The little darlings, dancing up and down, and singing that they were little kittens, and had lost their mittens, and running all round the room in the greatest glee. But we could not find the mitten; and after we had stopped looking, and were feeling very sorry that Mr. Jack Frost would have such a fine chance pinching Charlotte's fingers, what do you think the queer little puss did? Why, she just crept behind the door, which was opened way back nearly to the wall, and in a minute, out she came again, with the lost mitten. The funny little thing had hidden it there on purpose, so as to be like the kittens in the story.
How we did laugh—for you know she was in play, and did not mean to do anything naughty. She skipped up to her mamma, and chirped out:
"See, mamma, dear!
Only look here,
I found my mitten! didn't I?"
And her mother just caught her up in her aims and kissed her, and said:
"Found your mitten?
Oh, you good little kitten!
Now you shall have some pie!"
And off they went, the children perfectly delighted with the comical play of the kittens. I dare say they hid their mittens again as soon as they got home. I know I should, if I had been a funny little girl; wouldn't you? But don't hide the soldiers' mittens—for all the world! They wouldn't like that at all, you know; and if any of them was as cross as the old cat, they might ask General McClellan to give them leave of absence, so that they could come and give you what Paddy gave the drum.
"What was that?"
"Rat-a-tat-tat!
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Rat-a-tat-tat-too!"