“Then, if you’ve no information to give on the subject,” said Mrs. Polly severely, “don’t give it. You must learn to be seen and not heard.”
The little house-kitten was somewhat abashed at this reproof; but her embarrassment did not last long, for her sister, the other house-kitten, who was tired of sitting still so long, moved her tail backward and forward in such a very enticing manner that she couldn’t resist the temptation of springing at it and clawing it.
The house-cat was rather ashamed of her want of discipline, particularly as the barn-kittens sat all this time in a dignified manner, with their small tails straight out behind them; and more especially as the barn-cat’s face wore a very self-satisfied smile, as if she were enjoying the house-cat’s discomfiture.
“If you don’t sit still I shall take you home at once,” she said to the house-kittens when she had restored order and placed them where she could reach them in case of a second disturbance.
“Now that order is restored,” said Mrs. Polly, “we will proceed to business. When did you see the gray kitten last?” she asked the sparrow.
“I haven’t seen her for the last two days,” answered the sparrow. “She isn’t so attached to me as my friend the barn-cat here, and doesn’t follow me up so closely.”
“Don’t joke at such a serious moment,” said the barn-cat crossly.
“It’s as easy to laugh as to cry,” answered the sparrow, “and a good deal pleasanter.”
“Our friend the sparrow did us such a good turn in recovering the stolen ribbon,” said Mrs. Polly, “that we mustn’t be too hard on his peculiarities. We all know that if his manner is sometimes frivolous, he has proved to us that he has a warm heart and is devoted to our service.”
“His heart’s warm enough and he is brave enough too,” said the barn-cat, who had a strong sense of justice; “but I do wish he was a little steadier in his ways.”