A few days later, as Minnie sat watching Fidelle washing herself, licking her paws, and then putting them on her face and ears, her father drove into the yard, accompanied by a niece, who had come to make them a long visit.
Ida Morris was the daughter of Mr. Lee’s only sister. She was a lovely girl of fourteen, having long been the companion and especial charge of her widowed mother.
Mrs. Morris had now gone to Europe with her son, who was an invalid, and Ida had come to stay at her uncle’s until their return.
Minnie had not seen her cousin for a year; but she knew from her parents that Ida was frank and good tempered, and very fond of pets.
When she heard the carriage, therefore, she ran joyfully to meet and welcome her visitor.
Ida had grown very tall within the year, and this afternoon was exceedingly sad from the parting with her mother and brother, the latter of whom she might never see again; but when she felt Minnie’s soft hand pressed so lovingly in her own, and heard the eager tones of joy at her arrival, she felt comforted.
Wiping her tear-dimmed eyes, she said, “Uncle George has been telling me about your pets; and you, dear Minnie, shall be mine.”
Fidelle presently came and jumped in Ida’s lap, to the surprise of Mrs. Lee and Minnie.
“Why, here is the beautiful cat I saw last year,” cried the young girl; “can it be possible that she remembers me? You know I petted her a great deal.”
“I have no doubt that is the case,” answered her aunt; “otherwise I should be at a loss to account for her sudden fondness. She is usually very shy with strangers.”