“Sometimes,” said Mrs. Owen. “If the children see that she doesn’t go up into the bedrooms and make small footmarks on the bed quilts—that is all I ask.”
“You don’t like cats very well, do you, grandmother?” said Peggy.
“Yes, I like them in their proper place.”
“What is their proper place?” Peggy asked.
“I like to see a cat sitting patiently in front of a mouse-hole, or lying on the bricks in front of the kitchen stove; but I don’t like to see it scratching the parlor furniture.”
“Neither do I,” said Mrs. Owen. “Put Lady Janet out into the kitchen, Alice.”
They all went out to supper, and again the older Mrs. Owen praised the dainty appearance of the table.
“Mary, I don’t know how you have done it, but you have made this tiny house just as attractive as your large one.”
“All the paper and paint are new and fresh here, and I got rid of all my ugly furniture and have only kept the old pieces.”
“I wish you would come and do my house over for me. And, by the way, I am hoping you and the children will come and spend three months with me this summer. I am sure the sea air will do the children good.”